Campus organizations disappointed by DeVos’ intent to change campus sexual assault guidelines
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced on Sept. 7 her intention to change sexual-misconduct policy on college campuses by re-evaluating Title IX.
“It’s definitely disappointing to hear of any potential rollbacks to Title IX and the protections specifically under the ‘Dear Colleague’ letter,” said Susan Junis, an assistant director of the Rape Victim Advocacy Program. “We’ve made such advancements, especially in regard to sexual-assault policies.”
The President’s Student Advisory Committee on Sexual Misconduct sent a letter Tuesday to University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld urging them to release a statement committing the UI to upholding prior guidance from the previous administration’s Department of Education policies.
Jeneane Beck, the UI assistant vice president for External Relations, said in an email to The Daily Iowan that Harreld will respond to the committee.
Representatives from UI organizations including RVAP, UI Student Government, and Women’s Resource and Action Center, said they will not stop their programs’ efforts to provide help for victims of sexual assault.
“The bottom line when it comes to any federal legislation, our role is to stand by survivors,” Junis said. “In that sense, our role is not changing.”