For Immediate Release

For students experiencing sexual harassment or related harms at school, it can often be difficult to know who to turn to for help or support.

This dilemma is only worsened by the federal government’s recent actions that make it almost impossible to enforce Title IX protections. While students remain protected from sex-based harassment under federal law, young people and their families now often face a confusing patchwork of federal, state, and local protections when they need help most.

Today, the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) and Stop Sexual Assault in Schools (SSAIS) published “Dear Students: Do You Know Your Rights Against Sex-Based Harassment?” — a practical, youth-centered toolkit designed to help students and families navigate that uncertainty.

The resource answers the questions that can be difficult to ask, especially in the moment. Things like: Who can I tell? What should I document? What happens if I report? Can I ask for help without filing a formal complaint? What if I’m afraid I won’t be believed? What if the harassment happened online or off campus? What if my school doesn’t respond?

“Students and families need information that’s up to date and that they can actually use,” said Becky Monroe, Senior Director for Education and Civil Rights at NCYL. “Young people shouldn’t have to understand the intricacies of federal civil rights enforcement to figure out where to turn for help. This toolkit gives students and families a starting point, as well as practical tools for taking their next step.”

Added Joel Levin, SSAIS Co-founder and Program Director: “When federal Title IX protections are weakened, students and families need practical information about where they can turn for help. This toolkit helps them understand their rights and the options available to them at the school and state levels.”

The need for accessible information is particularly important because sexual harassment doesn’t always look the same. The toolkit walks students through real-life scenarios involving sexualized deepfakes and nonconsensual image-sharing, threats and fear of retaliation, harassment of LGBTQI+ students, harassment of students with disabilities, gender stereotypes, off-campus conduct, and misconduct by school employees.

Just as importantly, the resource emphasizes that students have options even when they’re not ready or don’t want to file a formal complaint. It explains how students can identify their Title IX Coordinator, learn their school’s reporting procedures, document incidents, ask questions about confidentiality, and seek supportive measures that can help them stay safe and continue participating in school. The toolkit also includes a curated collection of resources created by SSAIS specifically to help young people and adult allies proactively prevent and address sex-based harm, respond when harm occurs, and work together to create lasting change in schools and communities.

The toolkit complements NCYL’s StateofStudentRights.com, where visitors can find state-specific information about civil rights protections, complaint options, confidentiality, and organizations that can provide support.

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The National Center for Youth Law centers youth through research, community collaboration, impact litigation, and policy advocacy that fundamentally transforms our nation’s approach to education, health, immigration, foster care, and youth justice. Our vision is a world in which every child thrives and has a full and fair opportunity to achieve the future they envision for themselves.

Stop Sexual Assault in Schools (SSAIS) works to address gender-based harm impacting K-12 students. Collaborating with advocates, educators, researchers, policymakers, and communities, SSAIS advances practical approaches to prevention and response and strengthens school policies. SSAIS believes we can all help end the cycle of violence to ensure every student receives a safe and equitable education. Learn more at stopsexualassaultinschools.org.