16 Nov Statement on New Proposed Title IX Regulations

For Immediate Release: November 16, 2018

Contact: Chelsea R. Miller, Communications Director, cmiller@nyscasa.org

New Proposed Title IX Rules Will Discourage Survivors from Reporting Sexual Violence and Limit Equitable Access to Education

Albany, NY — The Department of Education has proposed new regulations governing campus sexual violence allegations that shift the burden to the student filing a complaint and limit survivors’ access to a violence-free education.

As an organization dedicated to ending sexual violence and all forms of oppression, the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) opposes regulations that will undermine the purpose of Title IX, to protect equitable access to education, and New York State’s Education Law Article 129-B (“Enough is Enough”). Through a narrow definition of sexual harassment, limited scope of coverage, allowance of cross-examination, and higher standards of proof for sexual assault and harassment cases, the new Title IX regulations will limit protections and resources for students and discourage survivors from reporting sexual violence. The proposed regulations directly conflict with NYSCASA’s commitment to eradicate sexual violence from New York State’s universities and campuses.

Survivors, advocates, and allies are encouraged to submit a comment during the notice-and-comment period. Resources are available here: www.handsoffix.org.