The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review whether Title IX allows private lawsuits over sex discrimination in federally funded school programs, a question that could reshape enforcement in higher education.

Plaintiffs include MaChelle Joseph, a former Georgia Tech women's basketball coach, who alleges unequal resources compared to the men's program, and Thomas Crowther, an Augusta University art professor contesting a sexual harassment investigation before his firing.

The case underscores a long-standing circuit split over Title IX protections, with uncertainty about whether faculty and coaching staff fall under the statute’s protections as applied to employment discrimination.

Law360 frames the development as breaking news, signaling ongoing legal debate and imminent judicial action.

The Supreme Court term is set to begin in October, with oral arguments likely between early October and late April of the following year.

Historically, the Court has been reluctant to permit private lawsuits under statutes lacking explicit congressional authorization, which is central to this dispute.

The case could mark a dramatic shift in Title IX interpretation, potentially altering enforcement and remedies in colleges and universities.

A 2024 Eleventh Circuit ruling found Joseph could not rely on Title IX, and the full circuit declined to review the decision the next year.

Petitioners argue the split is entrenched and warrant Supreme Court review, while respondents claim there is no real split and warn against expanding Title IX beyond its scope.

Case reference: Crowther v. Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, No. 25-183, petition granted/denied May 18, 2026.

The decision could deepen a divide among federal appellate courts on Title IX interpretation in higher education contexts.