Title IX Assessment

The recent proposed changes to Title IX regulations have amplified the need for clear and accessible information for today’s school leaders. The County of Santa Clara prioritizes community safety and values partnerships with all school districts and postsecondary institutions in the county. On November 15, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with Cozen O’Connor, one of the country's leading Title IX expert firms, to provide training on the latest regulations and offer free assessments and consultations to schools in the county.  

Beginning in May 2023 and continuing through 2024, Cozen O’Connor will engage with local schools through a survey to gather important information relating to compliance elements. To the extent possible, given school cooperation, they will also interview key staff to understand campus responses, gaps, and challenges. Finally, they will solicit robust community feedback in various ways and identify schools that may need more substantive support. A final assessment report will be provided to the Board of Supervisors in 2025.  

What is Title IX?  

Title IX is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs. Under Title IX, schools ranging from K–12 to private universities must make sure that all students have equal access to education based on sex. This includes proactively responding to claims of sexual assault and harassment.  

Who is Cozen O’Connor ?

Cozen O’Connor is a national leader in conducting investigations into sex and gender-based harassment and violence, as well as assisting institutions meet compliance with Title IX regulations and implement trauma-informed, fair, and impartial prevention and resolution processes through its Institutional Response Group. Additionally, Cozen O’Connor’s affiliate, Margolis Healy and Associates (MHA), is a consulting firm that focuses on all aspects of campus safety, including campus and community security, supports the engagement. The Margolis Healy team is comprised of experts in effective implementation of the Jeanne Clery Act.  

What are the benefits to institutions participating?  

• Opportunity to have an external review with recommendations for  improvement  
• Opportunity to learn effective practices through engagement and  recommendations  
• Access to a written overview of federal and state legal framework  
• Individual policy review with feedback about compliance  elements  
• Advice about structure, systems design, documentation  
• Access to model policy, template communications, and training  materials  
• Opportunity to attend Title IX training (gratis)

Who can I contact for more information?  

For more information about the Title IX Assessment, email [email protected]  

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