Coverage - Liability

The law that forbids sex discrimination in education, known as Title IX, requires organizations to designate a Title IX coordinator. It is important to know the basics about the Title IX coordinator role to ensure your school or district’s appointee can help create a non-discriminatory, effective learning environment that complies with the law.

Schools face a number of liability risks, such as inappropriate relationships, bullying, and sexual harassment. The TASB Risk Management Fund (Fund) offers resources and coverage to help Legal Liability members address these issues.

In a previous post, we shared tips for reducing the risk associated with sexual harassment in schools. A related, and more specific, sexual harassment issue districts struggle with is inappropriate relationships between employees and students. The TASB Risk Management Fund (Fund) encourages districts to develop and enforce policies that address inappropriate relationships and reduce the risk of potential liability.

Cyberbullying has become a common problem in Texas public schools. With students using a growing number of social media channels, there are more opportunities for cyberbullying to occur, making it a difficult matter to address. In order to successfully identify, prevent, and mitigate incidents at your district, it is important for school and district administrators to be aware of the laws addressing cyberbullying and know the appropriate ways to address this behavior.

Sexual harassment within schools is becoming an all too familiar issue. From student on student, to teacher on student harassment, these pervasive matters are not always easily recognized or effectively addressed. In order to protect students and minimize the risks associated with sexual harassment, school administrators need to understand the problem and practical ways to prevent and resolve it.

What laws passed in the Legislative Session will impact risk management in public education? TASB Legal Services and the TASB Risk Management Fund (Fund) helped answer this question during a Fund webinar. Senate Bills and House Bills were passed relating to risk management hot topics such as cyberbullying, the use of cameras in special education classrooms, coverage for Career and Technology Education (CTE) students, cybersecurity, and more.

Texas School districts now have the ability to provide accident, liability, and automobile coverage to students placed to work for local businesses as part of their career and technology education.