U.S. Department of Education Notice of Proposed Changes to Title IX Regulations

Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,

On November 29, 2018, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos published proposed changes to Title IX regulations in the Federal Register. If approved as proposed, these new regulations will fundamentally change the way colleges and universities address instances of interpersonal violence under Title IX (including sexual harassment, rape, sexual assault, and all forms of sexual misconduct). Among other things, proposed new regulations alter the definition of sexual harassment, mandate hearing panels, and give parties the right to cross examine one another.

These regulations have been published for review by the public here. The U.S. Department of Education has invited public comment on the proposed new rules. The thoughts of those who live, learn, and work at college and university campuses across the country are very important. You have until 11:59 p.m. on January 28, 2019, to comment on the proposed new regulations. Comments can be submitted to the Department of Education here and a useful guide can be found here.

I encourage you to exercise your civic duty by offering comment on these important matters that will affect the Emerson Community.

Sincerely,

Sylvia C. Spears, Ph.D.
Vice President for Equity & Social Justice
Social Justice Center