Title IX Guidance Changes
In September, 2017, the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education (OCR), which enforces Title IX, rescinded prior regulatory guidance (the 2011 Dear Colleague Letter) and issued new, interim guidance. These actions relate to university's obligations to prevent and respond to sexual violence affecting students. The change reflects a shift in focus from the civil rights of students reported to have experienced sexual violence; the new guidance is focused also on the due process rights of students reported to have engaged in sexual violence.
The university has reviewed the new, interim guidance and is not making significant changes to its policies and procedures at this time.
OCR has not indicated when the proposal for permanent (non-interim) guidance will be made, but has indicated that they will seek public comment.
To learn more, several law firms and media outlets have published summaries and articles:
http://www.franczek.com/frontcenter-OCR_Title_IX_Withdraws_Obama.html
