WASHINGTON, D.C. — Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) applauds the Title IX federal regulations released today by the Department of Education. The new regulations—for the first time—codify the obligation of schools to address claims of sexual misconduct. They also require that schools conduct all sexual misconduct investigations without bias and in a non-discriminatory manner.
Jennifer C. Braceras, director of Independent Women’s Law Center, said, “These new regulations protect survivors by ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of college disciplinary decisions and by requiring supportive measures for all victims, even those who choose not to file a formal complaint.”
The regulations highlight the importance of supporting survivors with appropriate accommodations, including, for example, course adjustments; schedule changes; counseling; no-contact orders; dorm room reassignments; and/or leaves of absence.
At the same time, the new regulations restore the presumption of innocence, require schools to notify accused students of the specific allegations against them in a timely manner, and allow both parties a meaningful opportunity to tell their version of events to an impartial arbiter.
These regulations serve the interests of both fairness and justice.
IWF urges all colleges and universities to take immediate steps to implement them before the majority of students return to campus.
For more information contact Elizabeth Tew at [email protected].
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Independent Women’s Forum is dedicated to developing and advancing policies that aren’t just well intended, but actually enhance people’s freedom, choices, and opportunities.
Independent Women’s Law Center advocates for equal opportunity, individual liberty, and respect for the American constitutional order.