What Are University Presidents Saying About Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Leaving Title IX ??

Last Week, the Trump Administration Education Secretary Betsy DeVos decided to abandon current guidelines for Title IX under which universities and schools operate in the unfortunate situation when the issue of sexual harassment arises on campus.  Many were astounded by the announcement.  Others expected such challenges based on earlier remarks by the Education Secretary.  Nonetheless, students were left wondering where 'Title IX' stands on their respective campus.  I cannot speak for all university campus presidents across the nation.  I did receive an e-mail from my boss at California State University at Northridge -- President Dianne Harrison -- regarding the position CSUN will be taking heading forward.  Here is the letter below:

To the Campus Community:

This morning, Secretary Betsy DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education's (DOE) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced its withdrawal of the guidelines reflected in OCR's 2011 Dear Colleague Letter on Sexual Violence and the 2014 Questions and Answers on Title IX and Sexual Violence. Both documents played a critical role in helping colleges and universities to more effectively address campus sexual violence and support sexual assault survivors.

In recent years, and particularly since issuance of the 2011 Dear Colleague Letter, we have witnessed extraordinary strides nationwide in sexual violence prevention education, the investigation and adjudication of sexual misconduct, and ensuring a system of support for survivors. CSUN is no exception. Regardless of this new DOE action and interim guidance offered, I want to clearly communicate to our campus community that we will not waver in our commitment to Title IX and its protections. It cannot be overstated: this university will not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form, whether it is sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking.  

At CSUN, we remain steadfast in our commitment to a comprehensive and holistic approach to address sexual violence that is responsive to the needs of our campus. Our firm stance is supported by California law and CSU system policy (Executive Orders 1095, 1096 and 1097). CSUN's Title IX Office trained investigators will continue to promptly and impartially review and investigate all allegations of sexual misconduct, ensuring a fair process for all involved. Additionally, survivors and bystanders need to feel safe in coming forward, knowing that they will be supported and that they will be taken seriously. We have made this system of survivor support a shared responsibility through mandated training for all students and all employees, as well as coordinating a network of support resources, including a care advocate, who is a confidential on campus resource for survivors. 

We have resources in place to support both reporting parties and respondents throughout the process, including process advisors and dedicated counselors at University Counseling Services. (Please review the Rights and Options document for a full description of CSUN's policy prohibiting sexual misconduct, including reporting options and confidential resources. You can also find a list of activities around sexual violence prevention here).

During the DOE rulemaking process on Title IX, CSUN continues to operate under policies and procedures delineated in CSU Executive Orders and California law. As such, we have created standards and processes that are fair and protect the rights of all parties, and we have instituted serious consequences for those who are found to have violated CSUN policy. 

Sexual misconduct has no place at CSUN. Greater accountability in the form of firm and measured responses to a range of misconduct has helped to build trust in our campuswide efforts to end campus sexual assault. We remain committed to this endeavor. Please join me with renewed resolve to protect and preserve the safety, well-being and respect for all students, faculty and staff here at CSUN.

Sincerely,

Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.

President

Readers may recall Education Secretary Betsy DeVos's September 7th (2017) speech announcing the withdrawal of the previous administration's guidelines.  One statement that resides in my mind from that speech is the following:

"...If everything is harassment, then nothing is..." 

This was in regard for the need to narrow down a more "precise definition of sexual harassment.  That is scary to say the least.  Each individual has different boundaries and is entitled to speak out when an injustice has occurred.  The speech on September 7th is yet another attempt by the Trump Administration to weaken the progress which was made under the Obama Administration which called for greater protection of each individuals rights.



No solution is perfect, although, with each step of the way, one would hope that progress has been made.  The current attempt by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to repeal the current guidelines is mismanaged and yet another sign of her lack of experience.



Hopefully, the future holds greater protection for students in education environments.  I am proud that my boss -- CSUN President Dianne Harrison is standing tall and continuing to protect students rights to access to help in the event of an unfortunate harassment on campus.  Let us continue to respect each other while advancing our knowledge on campus.  Last but not least, I will leave you with the message (e-mail) that the Chancellor Timothy White of the entire California State University system sent to all of the employees from all 23 campuses throughout California:

Today's Dear Colleague Letter from the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) withdraws federal guidance about sexual violence provided by that office in 2011 and 2014. The letter states that it will implement new sexual misconduct guidance through a rulemaking process that includes public comment. The CSU will be strong participants in that process to ensure our values are represented at the table.

As we wait for OCR's process to unfold, I assure you CSU's existing policies will continue to protect our students and employees, and provide a fair process to all. Our comprehensive policies comply with federal and state laws and regulations -- and remain in full force and effect. Today's letter from the OCR does not change CSU's approach because compassion and fairness to all parties is a bedrock of our existing policies. At the same time, the CSU continually reviews its policies to ensure that processes are informed by lessons learned through experience and the wisdom of experts and community stakeholders. 

As we continue to pursue this important work, we will not be deterred from our commitment to safety, fairness, compassion and equal opportunity for every member of our university community, which is and always will be, our highest priority. I am grateful for everyone's hard work and dedication in combatting sexual violence on campuses.

Warmly,

Timothy P. White, Chancellor

As Chancellor Timothy White says, we will wait to see what change is on the horizon.  In the meantime, lets respect one another to our best ability.