Title IX Investigation Against Florida College Basketball Coach Dismissed

According to a report from The Independent Florida Alligator, the Title IX investigation into Todd Golden—the head coach of the Florida Gators—has been dismissed. Investigators determined that they could find “no evidence to support the allegations of sexual harassment and stalking.” Here, our Miami sexual assault attorney provides a more comprehensive overview of the case and explains Title IX investigations.

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Raised Against UF Basketball Coach Todd Golden 

Todd Golden is the men’s basketball coach at the University of Florida (UF). In September 2024, University of Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden faced allegations of sexual exploitation, harassment, and stalking. Specifically, the coach faced claims of sending explicit images and making unwanted advances toward students. For his part, Coach Golden strictly denied any wrongdoing. He emphasized that he was cooperating with the investigation and preparing a defamation claim.

 Title IX Investigation Dismissed (No Evidence of Wrongdoing Found) 

The University of Florida (UF) officially closed its Title IX investigation into men’s basketball coach Todd Golden in January 2025. In doing so, it cited a lack of evidence to support the allegations of wrongdoing that were raised against him. After a four-month inquiry, university officials determined there was no substantiating evidence to proceed with disciplinary action.

 What to Know About Title IX Investigations and Sexual Misconduct on Campus 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program that receives federal funding. Sex-based discrimination includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of misconduct against involving students, faculty, or other staff at educational institutions, including colleges and universities.

A Title IX investigation is generally required by law when a formal complaint of sexual harassment or misconduct is made at a college or university that receives federal funding. Indeed, institutions are legally obligated to respond to allegations of sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, assault, stalking, and exploitation. Here are key points of the process:

• A Formal Title IX Complaint: A Title IX investigation is triggered when a formal complaint is filed with the school’s Title IX Coordinator by a student, faculty member, or other staff.
• Elements of Investigation: The school determines if the claim falls under Title IX jurisdiction. If the complaint proceeds, investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review documents. A live hearing may or may not occur depending on the evidence.

Note: Because Title IX is federally enforced, the failure to investigate a claim can result in an institution loss of federal funding, a civil lawsuit, and other sanctions.

 We Represent Victims of Sexual Abuse in Civil Claims

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Florida sexual assault lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights and interests of victims. If you have any questions about a civil sexual abuse claim on campus, we are here to help. Contact us for a free, fully confidential consultation. With an office in Miami and another office in West Palm Beach, we fight for sexual assault victims all across Southeast Florida.

Source:

alligator.org/article/2025/01/title-ix-investigation-into-florida-head-coach-todd-golden-dismissed