Key elements of Title IX include:

• Prohibition of Sex Discrimination: Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all aspects of education, including admissions, educational programs, extracurricular activities, financial assistance, athletics, and student services.

• Coverage of Educational Institutions: Title IX applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funding, including public and private schools, colleges, universities, and other educational programs.

• Protection for Students, Faculty, and Staff: Title IX protects students, faculty, and staff from sex-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

• Sexual Harassment and Assault: Title IX addresses sexual harassment and sexual violence, including sexual assault, as forms of sex discrimination. Educational institutions must respond to and investigate reports of sexual misconduct and provide appropriate support and resources to survivors.

• Gender Equity in Athletics: Title IX requires gender equity in athletic programs, ensuring that opportunities and resources for male and female athletes are provided on an equal basis.

• Notice of Non-Discrimination: Educational institutions must provide notice of their non-discrimination policies and procedures, as well as information on how to file a complaint under Title IX.

• Compliance and Enforcement: The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for enforcing Title IX. Institutions found to be in violation of Title IX may face sanctions or loss of federal funding.

Title IX has played a crucial role in promoting gender equity and ensuring a safe and nondiscriminatory educational environment. It has been instrumental in advancing opportunities for women and girls in education and athletics. Additionally, it has become a vital tool in addressing and preventing issues related to sexual harassment and assault on college campuses and in other educational settings.

If you wish to fill out a complaint form online, you may do so at: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html .

Some examples of consumer violations in the context of acupuncture schools may include:

• Deceptive Advertising: Making false or misleading claims about the school's programs, accreditation status, career outcomes, or quality of education.

• Inadequate Disclosures: Failing to provide clear and accurate information about tuition fees, additional costs, program requirements, and potential job placement rates.

• Non-Delivery of Promised Services: Not fulfilling promises made during the enrollment process, such as providing specific educational resources or opportunities.

• Lack of Accreditation or Licensure: Misrepresenting the school's accreditation or licensure status, leading students to believe they are attending a properly accredited institution.

• Unfair Contract Terms: Including unfair or hidden terms in enrollment contracts, such as binding arbitration clauses that limit students' rights to legal recourse in case of disputes.

• Insufficient Financial Aid Information: Failing to provide comprehensive information on available financial aid options and scholarship opportunities.

• Inadequate Instructional Quality: Offering subpar educational programs that do not meet industry standards or fail to prepare students for their future careers.

• Retaliation against Whistleblowers: Taking adverse actions against students who report misconduct or violations within the school.

• Misrepresentation of Job Placement Rates: Providing inaccurate or misleading information about job placement rates after graduation.

• Unfair Treatment of International Students: Discriminating against international students in terms of enrollment, financial aid, or access to resources.

It's essential for students and graduates to be aware of their rights as consumers and to have access to accurate information about the educational services offered by acupuncture schools. Consumer protection laws aim to prevent and address these types of violations, ensuring that students receive fair treatment, transparent information, and quality education. If students encounter any consumer violations at their acupuncture school, they may have the right to file complaints, seek remedies, or take legal action to hold the institution accountable and protect their consumer rights.

We have created an ongoing survey to collect data and information that will help shed light on student experiences and violations while attending acupuncture schools. Please consider filling out the survey, and to access the survey click on the tab Title IX & Institution Violations Survey: Acupuncture Schools. 

Our mission at AcuJusticeWatch is to advocate for students and the protection of their rights. 

Part of our mission is to encourage acupuncture schools on being more accountable.

Under Title VI, educational institutions that receive federal funding, including public schools, colleges, universities, and other educational programs, must not discriminate against students or employees based on their race, color, or national origin. This includes discrimination in admissions, recruitment, hiring, assignments, financial aid, disciplinary actions, and any other aspect of education.

Title VI mandates that all students and employees should have equal opportunities and benefits from educational programs, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. Additionally, it requires schools to take proactive measures to address and prevent racial or ethnic discrimination within their institutions.

Key provisions of Title VI related to education include:

• Nondiscrimination Policy: Educational institutions must have a clear policy stating that they do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

• Language Access: Schools must ensure that limited-English proficient students and parents have access to language assistance services, such as interpreters or translated materials, to facilitate effective communication.

• Harassment and Bullying: Title VI also addresses racial harassment and bullying within educational settings, ensuring that schools take appropriate actions to prevent and respond to such incidents.

• Investigations and Compliance: The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for enforcing Title VI in educational settings. The OCR investigates complaints of discrimination and ensures schools' compliance with the law.

Title VI, alongside other federal civil rights laws like Title IX and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, plays a vital role in promoting equal educational opportunities and advancing equity and inclusivity in educational institutions across the United States. Educational institutions found in violation of Title VI may face sanctions or risk losing their federal funding. 

To file a complaint regarding Title VI violations please click on the following link: https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/complaint-process

• Privacy of Education Records: FERPA gives parents or eligible students (students who are 18 years old or attending post-secondary education) the right to control who has access to their education records. Education records include any personally identifiable information (PII) that is directly related to a student and maintained by an educational institution.

• Consent for Disclosure: Schools must obtain written consent from parents or eligible students before disclosing education records to third parties, with certain exceptions. For example, disclosure may be allowed to school officials with legitimate educational interests, other schools where the student is transferring, and government agencies in specific circumstances.

• Access to Records: Parents and eligible students have the right to access and review their education records upon request. If any information in the records is believed to be inaccurate or misleading, they have the right to request corrections.

• Directory Information: Schools may disclose "directory information" without obtaining consent, but they must inform parents and eligible students about the types of information considered directory information and allow them the opportunity to opt out of its disclosure.

• Rights Transfer to the Student: Once a student reaches the age of 18 or attends a post-secondary institution, the rights granted under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student. At that point, the student has sole control over their education records.

FERPA is an essential law that safeguards the privacy and security of students' educational records. It ensures that students and their families have control over who can access their personal information while allowing schools to share information as needed for educational purposes and compliance with legal requirements. Educational institutions must comply with FERPA or risk losing federal funding.

To file a complaint click on the following link https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/file-a-complaint

For more information regarding information related FERPA please take a look under the tab Resources.

OSHA violations occur when employers fail to comply with OSHA standards and regulations, putting their employees at risk of workplace accidents, injuries, or illnesses. OSHA violations are categorized into four main types:

• Willful Violations: These violations occur when an employer intentionally and knowingly disregards OSHA regulations, resulting in a high probability of serious harm or death to employees.

• Serious Violations: Serious violations are issued when an employer's actions or inactions directly lead to a substantial risk of harm or death to employees.

• Repeat Violations: Repeat violations are issued when an employer has been previously cited for the same or similar OSHA violations within a specified period.

• Other-Than-Serious Violations: These violations are given when an employer's actions or inactions do not pose a direct risk of serious harm, but they still violate OSHA standards.

OSHA violations can result in penalties and fines for employers, as well as potential legal consequences. The severity of the penalties depends on the type of violation, the employer's compliance history, and the extent of the risk to employees' health and safety. 

It is essential for employers to prioritize workplace safety and comply with OSHA regulations to protect their employees and avoid potential violations and penalties. Employees also have the right to report workplace safety concerns to OSHA, which can investigate and take appropriate action if violations are found.

To file a complaint click on the following link:  https://www.osha.gov/whistleblower/WBComplaint