Sharp Divide Over Trump Administration’s Title IX Overhaul

The release of proposed regulations for Title IX and campus assault, the federal law that prohibits sex and gender-based discrimination in public schools around the country, has caused growing concerns among higher education observers. The proposed regulations redefine sexual harassment under Title IX and set new standards for how schools should respond to sexual harassment reports and what it means for a student to report the misconduct. “Throughout this process, my focus was, is, and always will be on ensuring that every student can learn in a safe and nurturing environment,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “That starts with having clear policies and fair processes that every student can rely on. Every survivor of sexual violence must be taken seriously, and every student accused of sexual misconduct must know that guilt is not predetermined.”