Education policies bring changes to Title IX
The policy that bans sex discrimination in schools is about to change.
That policy, commonly known as Title IX (nine), is being reviewed by the Department of Education. The current changes proposed by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos are intended to supplement the department’s “efforts to ensure equal access to education free from discrimination.” They are working on “improving schools' responses to sexual harassment and assault,” according to the press office of the U.S. Department of Education.
“Throughout this process, my focus was, is, and always will be on ensuring that every student can learn in a safe and nurturing environment,” said DeVos to the press office.
Key provisions include requirements of schools to: respond “meaningfully” to reports of sexual harassment, investigate all formal complaints, take measures to support students in their academic endeavors post-complaint, include a cross-examination in hearings to ensure all facts are considered, and hold all information to the highest degree of scrutiny.
As it stands, in a summary published by the Dept. of Education, Title IX protects all students from sexual discrimination in education. The scope of this security includes many school districts, public libraries, museums, and other institutions across the United States.
“As a female student athlete, Title IX doesn't just mean I get to play sports in college or that I have the same access to facilities provided for men,” said Madison Palarca-Wong, a senior basketball player. “It means equal opportunity and being provided the resources and support to maximize my education and college experience.”
However, being aware of the policy and what its provisions mean to an individual does help one fully realize the extent or effects of changes to those factors in the future.
“I've been a coach for close to 40 years. I've coached both girls and boys from after school playground teams with 6th graders to Varsity High School sports,” said Activities Director Jim Kelly. “If you know about [Title IX], you would know what you wouldn’t get without it, instead of just assuming it’s always been like this.”
To illustrate this awareness, some sources, such as the National Women’s Law Center, have taken the liberty of analyzing possible future effects. Based on those, they see these changes to the current policy as “potentially devastating.”
Just one entry on the list of explanations of the proposed changes on the NWLC website, it is stated: “Schools would be required (yes, required) to ignore all Title IX complaints of off-campus or online sexual harassment that happen outside of a school-sponsored program—even if the student is forced to see their harasser or rapist on campus every day.”
Although that is a relatively biased source (based on their self-proclaimed political lean) and the statement (among others) largely conflicts with the reports by the Dept. of Education, they bring up the point that the adverse effects must be considered as people reflect on these changes and we do not necessarily know what they will be or who will be hurt.
Other sources recognize points in DeVos’ logic. In “What Betsy DeVos’ new Title IX changes get right — and wrong” by the editorial board of the Washington Post, they cite a lack of guidance in the current methods to enforce Title IX’s provisions. DeVos’ changes might illuminate some structure, or give room for debate on such structure.
Still, that is an opinion piece and there are many other factors not being considered or interpreted as deeply as others might.
Obviously, there are a lot of potential directions Title IX can take and many perspectives on the possible effects. It is simply impossible to account for everyone’s views, and speculations about what might happen are inherently inaccurate.
Luckily, during the window for public commentary on the proposed changes (late 2018 to early 2019) almost 100,000 people submitted thoughts through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, regular postal mail, commercial delivery, and by hand.
The public’s recent surge in input will likely yield a period of adjustment and deliberation within the Dept. of Education before an official set of policies are enacted.
Since its establishment in 1972, Title IX has been a facet of more than 20 proposed amendments. This number shows how more people are becoming aware of and getting involved with this continuously growing and changing bill. Increasing involvement in the shaping of legislation will lead to better directing resources to areas of need.
“For me, it’s about knowing how the policy could affect me or those around me because if I know about what’s happening with policy, then I could do more to prepare for the repercussions,” said Samantha Tolu, a senior and soccer player.