Rape in the School Environment While rape is more likely to
occur on a college campus, rape occurs in the high school
setting as well. Title IX applies to most high schools and
colleges, and gives schools certain obligations when dealing
with sexual violence among students. Under Title IX, schools
that receive federal funding are required to investigate a
reported rape. (20 U.S.C. § 1681(a); Office for Civil Rights,
U.S. Dept. of Educ., Dear Colleague Letter 2011). Additionally
schools must take steps to address any potential effects and
prevent future harm or retaliation. Schools must aid students in
filing a grievance and must publicly outline these procedures.
Schools must inform students of their right to file criminal
charges and cannot try to deter the student from doing so. It is
important to make sure that your school has a Title IX
coordinator and to alert your school of new federal regulations
regarding this issue. On high school campuses, if the victim is
under 18, it is mandated that schools conta