What federal act protects teachers against sexual harassment?

The correct answer is that both Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protect teachers against sexual harassment. Title IX specifically addresses discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities, which includes protections for teachers and students within educational institutions. It prohibits sexual harassment in both K-12 and higher education settings, ensuring that educational environments remain free from sexual discrimination and harassment.

On the other hand, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act expands this protection to employment settings, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, which encompasses sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination. Therefore, both acts collectively provide robust protections for teachers against sexual harassment in their respective contexts—Title IX in educational settings and Title VII in the workplace. Recognizing the intersection of these laws is essential in understanding the comprehensive framework designed to protect teachers' rights and ensure a safe and conducive environment for both educators and students.