Septeber 7th, 2017.
Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education announced that there will be changes made to Title IX and how the Department of Education will address sexual assault. To summarize fr those who are not familiar with this particular Civil Rights Act, here is a brief summary:
“Title IX applies to all educational programs and all aspects of a school’s educational system. Civil rights activists and organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) maintain that “when students suffer sexual assault and harassment, they are deprived of equal and free access to an education.”Further, according to an April 2011 letter issued by the Department of Education‘s Office for Civil Rights, “The sexual harassment of students, including sexual violence, interferes with students’ right to receive an education free from discrimination and, in the case of sexual violence, is a crime.”
The letter, known colloquially as the “Dear Colleague” letter, states that it is the responsibility of institutions of higher education “to take immediate and effective steps to end sexual harassment and sexual violence.”[71] The letter illustrates multiple examples of Title IX requirements as they relate to sexual violence, and makes clear that, should an institution fail to fulfill its responsibilities under Title IX, the Department of Education can impose a fine and potentially deny further institutional access to federal funds.”
A direct quote from Betsy reads: ” If everything is harassment, then nothing is.” Devos argues that the guidance created during the Obama administration on how Universities should address sexual assault
Many people say that Devos is trying to erase what President Obama has done during his term as President. Should the people that are accused of sexual assault be protected? Share your thoughts in the comments.