We must protect our students. Strengthen Title IX

Statement

Earlier this month, President Biden signed an Executive Order that will work to increase safety and protections for students in the 7th District and beyond.

The Executive Order directs new Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to review controversial changes to the Title IX law that were made during the Trump Administration.

As you may know, Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. Last spring, the previous Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, largely dismantled Title IX protections for sexual assault victims on college and university campuses. Under her rules, lawyers for accused perpetrators can cross-examine the alleged victims in a live hearing setting. This not only has the potential to retraumatize survivors, but it may make it less likely for future victims to come forward.

The DeVos rule also introduced a new evidentiary standard that raises the bar for what constitutes sexual harassment, making it more difficult to prove sexual misconduct policies were violated.

As if that wasn't enough, DeVos's rule change also allows institutions to ignore allegations of misconduct that happen off-campus. Colleges and universities are only required to investigate misconduct if it occurs in a place or activity the school can control, such as a fraternity or sorority house.

As a parent and a grandparent, I know what it's like to worry about your child's safety when they go off to school. We cannot allow our schools to fail our student survivors of gender-based violence. I applaud President Biden's actions and any actions that work to ensure our students have access to adequate support and a safe learning environment.

Sincerely,

Kweisi Mfume

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