My School Is Mishandling My Title IX Complaint Against My Coach: What Should I Do Next?
Filing a Title IX complaint is difficult, especially when it involves powerful figures like coaches or athletic staff. Unfortunately, many student-athletes find their school’s Title IX office or Athletics Director doesn’t respond appropriately.
If you've reported misconduct, discrimination, or harassment and your school seems to be ignoring your complaint, we’re here to help. Here are some signs to be aware of:
Title IX office delays or silence
Hostile or dismissive admin response
Improper investigation process
Discouragement from filing a claim
Retaliation by coach, teammates, or staff
At Christine Brown & Partners, we ensure you have a process that is fair, transparent, and trauma-informed. If your school isn’t providing that, it’s time to seek help. Our Title IX experts guide student-athletes through the process, communicate formally with your school or the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), protect you from retaliation, and pursue external legal remedies if necessary. Legal representation strengthens your case and sends a clear message that you won’t back down.
How We Help
Review and strengthen your complaint: We help ensure your complaint clearly states the discrimination or harassment you experienced and include specific evidence, witnesses, and context to strengthen your position. This is why it is critical to document everything upfront – emails, meeting notes, and any evidence related to misconduct or discrimination. If needed, we can help you coordinate with other students to file a joint or supporting complaint for greater impact.
Communicate with your school or OCR: Once represented, your school must communicate through your attorney, protecting you from hostile or manipulative interactions. We draft formal correspondence, request updates and records, and represent you before the OCR if needed.
Protect against retaliation: Retaliation, such as reduced playing time, exclusion, or harassment, is illegal under Title IX. We document retaliation, notify the school, and demand corrective action or file complaints with OCR. You have a right to pursue your education and athletic goals without fear or punishment, and we make sure your school upholds that right.
Pursue external remedies: If your school refuses to act, we can escalate your case through federal complaints or litigation, and collaborate with advocacy groups (or media, when appropriate) to demand accountability.
Our goal is to ensure your school takes responsibility and that your voice is heard. If you feel like your school is not handling your Title IX complaint appropriately, our Title IX and legal experts are here to help.
