Betsy Devos releases new questions for schools investigating sexual misconduct
On Friday, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy Devos announced the release of a new interim Q&A for schools on how to investigate allegations of campus sexual misconduct under federal law.
“This interim guidance will help schools as they work to combat sexual misconduct and will treat all students fairly,” said Devos. “Schools must continue to confront these horrific crimes and behaviors head-on. There will be no more sweeping them under the rug. But the process also must be fair and impartial, giving everyone more confidence in its outcomes.”
The department intends to engage in rule-making on Title IX responsibilities arising from complaints of sexual misconduct.
The newly released Q&A on Campus Sexual Misconduct explains the department’s current expectations of schools, and the department will continue to rely on its Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance.
Devos said in the coming months she plans on hearing from survivors, campus administrators, parents, students and experts on sexual misconduct.
Devos said hearing from others will be vital as they work to create a rule that will benefit students for years to come.
The Department of Education is withdrawing the Dear Colleague Letter on Sexual Violence, dating back to 2011, and the Questions and Answers on Title IX, dating back to 2014.
Devos said the withdrawn documents ignored notice and comment requirements and created a system that lacked basic elements of due process and failed to ensure fundamental fairness.
