Title IX Compliance Attorneys for Educational Institutions

Legal Guidance for K–12 Schools, Colleges, and Universities Navigating the 2024 Title IX Regulations

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is one of the most complex and consequential areas of education law. The U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 Final Rule, effective August 1, 2024, significantly revised the legal obligations of all federally funded educational institutions.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we counsel K–12 school districts, charter networks, colleges, and universities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania on how to maintain full compliance with Title IX—before, during, and after complaints arise. From policy drafting to investigations to regulatory response, we help institutions meet their legal obligations while protecting students, staff, and leadership from unnecessary exposure.

Comprehensive Title IX Compliance Services

We provide proactive, institution-focused legal services designed to align your internal practices with current federal law, including:

• Policy development and review under the 2024 Final Rule
• Customized training for Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and appeals officers
• Third-party investigation support in high-stakes or sensitive matters
• Institutional audits to identify legal and procedural risk
• OCR response support for complaints and compliance reviews
• Policy updates for LGBTQ+ protections, pregnancy accommodations, and employee complaints
• Legal guidance for informal resolution pathways and supportive measures

Our attorneys serve as trusted partners to general counsel, superintendents, and compliance officers, helping institutions avoid costly mistakes while protecting their educational mission.

2024 Final Title IX Regulations: What’s Changed?

The 2024 Final Rule replaced the 2020 DeVos-era regulations and significantly expanded the scope of Title IX.

Key updates now in effect include:

No Mandatory Live Hearings

Postsecondary institutions are no longer required to hold live, cross-examined hearings. K–12 schools were never required to hold them, and now have more flexibility in their resolution processes.

Coordinators May Investigate and Decide Cases

Institutions may now use a single-investigator model, permitting the same official to investigate and issue decisions—reversing a key limitation of the 2020 rule.

Expanded Protections

The definition of sex-based discrimination now explicitly includes:

• Sexual orientation and gender identity
• Sex characteristics (including intersex traits)
• Pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions
• Sex stereotyping and hostile environments

More Flexibility in Informal Resolutions

Institutions may offer informal resolutions in a broader range of cases, provided both parties consent, and the process is documented and conducted fairly.

Enhanced Procedural Rights and Documentation Requirements

Both complainants and respondents must be afforded equal access to evidence, timely notice of allegations, and the right to respond. Institutions must retain documentation of all reports and actions for at least seven years.

Why Institutions Should Partner With Our Firm

Ratliff Jackson LLP is uniquely positioned to serve the evolving legal needs of public and private educational institutions. We combine deep legal acumen with frontline experience advising schools during complex investigations, personnel matters, and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) reviews.

We understand that no two campuses or school districts are alike. That’s why we customize every compliance plan, training program, and advisory service to the institution’s size, structure, culture, and regulatory exposure.

Our goal is to protect your mission while preserving procedural fairness, legal defensibility, and stakeholder trust.

Proactive Compliance Starts with Trusted Legal Counsel

Title IX enforcement continues to evolve—bringing both opportunity and liability for institutions. With the 2024 Final Rule now in effect, educational institutions must act decisively to review policies, re-train staff, and ensure proper investigative and grievance procedures.

Let our attorneys help your school or institution adapt with confidence.

To schedule a confidential consultation, call 856-209-3111 or visit our consultation request page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the 2024 Title IX Final Rule eliminate live hearings completely?
Live hearings are no longer required for postsecondary institutions, though they may still use them. K–12 schools were never required to hold hearings and may now resolve cases using more flexible procedures.

Can one person now serve as both investigator and decision-maker?
Yes. The 2024 regulations allow for a single official to serve in multiple roles, provided that person is trained and impartial.

Do we need to update our existing Title IX policies?
Yes. All federally funded institutions must update their policies and procedures to comply with the 2024 Final Rule, which becomes enforceable August 1, 2024.

How do we handle complaints involving gender identity?
The updated rule clarifies that sex-based discrimination includes discrimination based on gender identity. Schools must provide protections and supportive measures accordingly.

What documentation are we required to maintain?
Institutions must retain documentation of reports, investigations, decisions, supportive measures, and training records for at least seven years.