Raise Your Voice! Proposed Changes to Title IX Funding and College Campuses
The era of #MeToo has raised the significance of conversations around sexual misconduct and assault. Over the last year or so, many college campuses have stepped up to provide better support, programming, and resources for survivors of sexual assault. A large portion of the funding for these services has been through Title IX guidelines, which are “federal rules created in 1972 to protect the civil rights of students and staff. This includes guidance on how sexual harassment and assault are handled on campuses receiving federal education funds.” Schools receiving federal funds must also ensure that students are not discriminated against based on their sex, and are not denied or limited in their ability to participate in campus classes and programs (Title IX Resource Guide).
Historically, Title IX has offered protections for students who experience harassment and/or assault as a student at these schools. However, this may soon change. Betsy DeVos, head of the Department of Education under the Trump Administration, has proposed new Title IX rules that could change the way schools that receive Title IX funding are able to respond to reports of sexual assault around their campuses. Some of these proposed changes include:
Investigating complaints only if the alleged incident occurred on campus or affiliated areas overseen by the school.
Receipt of complaints will be limited to certain school officials.
Accused students will be allowed to cross-examine their accusers in the presence of a school representative. (Burlington Free Press)
As written, these changes would have a severe impact on survivors of sexual harassment and assault. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) currently reports that 12% of college students have experienced a rape or sexual assault, with the possibility of that number actually being much higher because of the number of those who don’t report. The Department’s proposed changes would create even more harm for victims, by adding unnecessary barriers to reporting and seeking justice. If put into effect, these changes could effectively “force accusers to confront the people they’re accusing, limit the resources for reporting, and tie universities’ hands when it comes to seeking justice for survivors.” (Marie Claire).
Anyone who is concerned about the proposed changes can take steps to make their voice heard. The Department has an open comment period until January 28th. Go to the Office of the Federal Register to read the document, and add your comments to make your voice heard! Together, #WeToo stand with survivors of sexual harassment and assault.