Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education

At issue in Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education was whether a private person-in this instance, an athletic coach who was removed from his position when he complained about sexual discrimination against a girls' team-could file suit under Title IX, which prohibits discrimination in school programs that receive federal funds. The Supreme Court found that employees may file a private action for retaliation under Title IX, in that it constitutes a form of sexual discrimination in itself.

Insofar as Jackson was a 5-to-4 decision, some legal scholars think that it is not the final word on the issue. Even so, Jackson puts school officials on clear notice that they must comply with the requirements of Title IX when it comes to spending and support for athletics ...