Title IX, passed in 1972, guarantees that all institutions that receive federal funding must provide equal opportunities, facilities, and supplies to students regardless of their gender. But in the ensuing decades, it has been interpreted and expanded to also protect students — both male and female — from sexual violence, sexual harassment, and stalking.
The explosion of the #MeToo movement and the public takedown of many high profile individuals accused of sexual assault and misconduct has sparked heated conversation on how to appropriately handle these allegations, especially when they occur on college campuses.
In the last year, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has worked to overhaul Title IX to strengthen the due-process rights of the accused while narrowing the definition of what constitutes sexual harassment. Proponents of the changes believe it will put the rights of the accused on par with the rights of the complainant, an effort that especially protects racial or ethnic minorities who are disproportionally incarcerated at greater rates than whites. Critics argue that the regulations inappropriately favor the accused and discourage victim reporting while making it easier for schools to abdicate their responsibility.
The proposed regulations have garnered more than 100,000 public comments, making Title IX one of the most contentious rules in the department’s history. A final ruling is expected to take several months or years, leaving colleges and universities in a state of flux. How are they grappling with these proposed changes that could significantly alter what constitutes Title IX compliance?
Eric Butler, JD
Title IX Coordinator, John Carroll University
LaJuan N. Flores, M.Ed., SPHR
Associate Director, Office for Institutional Equity, and Title IX Coordinator, Cleveland State University
Darnell Parker, Ed.D.
Senior Associate Vice President for Equity, Case Western Reserve University
ML Schultze
Reporter for 89.7 WKSU, Ohio Public Radio, and NPR
Bill Lavezzi
Former Executive Director of the North East Ohio Education Association
Dan Moulthrop
CEO, The City Club of Cleveland
