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New DeVos Education Dept Rule Allows Coaches To Ignore Sexual Assault
Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education, released new federal regulations that no longer require coaches to report sexual misconduct. Just what college campuses need, less reporting of sexual assault (SARCASM).
Under current Title IX guidelines, coaches, athletic directors and other institutional team personnel are mandatory reporters. The same goes for faculty, athletic directors, residential life staff, etc. They are required to report any instance of sexual misconduct or sexual discrimination to the Title IX office or appropriate school officials.
The U.S. Department of Education, led by education secretary Betsy DeVos, announced new Title IX federal regulations that change requirements on who must report sexual assault allegations and how institutions respond to those complaints.
The adjustments, outlined in a 2,033-page document and set to go into effect Aug. 14, no longer require coaches and other employees at colleges and universities to report allegations to the Title IX office.
The new Title IX rules do not "level the playing field" - they create increasingly unsafe environments for survivors and enable sexual predators to perpetuate abuse. This is a significant and dangerous misstep.
Schools are now only responsible for responding to incidents that reportedly happen on campus or in off-campus locations related to school activity, such as at fraternities or school-support events.
The changes include a new definition for sexual harassment, adopting the Supreme Court’s definition of “unwelcome conduct that is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive."
Why is Betsy DeVos obsessed with shielding those alleged to have committed sexual assault or harassment?
Colleges and universities may take it upon themselves to require coaches and athletic trainers to continue mandatory reporting under the new Title IX guidelines and they may “institute corrective measures” on behalf of the school.