Holly Harrington

EDU 213 Introduction to Education

BUZZ in EDU #1

9/20/17

Article Title: Betsy DeVos Says She Will Rewrite Rules on Campus Sexual Assault

Source: New York Times

Title IX is a law that was created in 1972 to prevent sex discrimination in education,

including a focus in athletics. While an important part of the legislation involves the mandatory

equality of boys and girls sports teams, Title IX has been a large influence on the change of rape

and sexual assault culture on college campuses. Title IX requires universities to deeply examine

every sexual assault case on campus and react appropriately. Despite the law being a leading

factor in the protection of survivors of sexual assault, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is

calling for reform. DeVos stated in a speech at George Mason University that Title IX has

failed too many students, and the law does not allow for due process. DeVos did not

specifically detail her plan for the reformed legislation, but she said that she intends to create a

more balanced and just system of handling sexual assault. Many professors and presidents of

colleges disagree with DeVos position, as they have seen the positive use of Title IX in

protecting survivors and creating a more safe school environment.

In my opinion, I disagree with Betsy DeVos plan to overturn Title IX. I believe that

Title IX has been an important piece of defying rape culture and empowering survivors. Through

Title IX, colleges must have a solidified approach to handling complaints about sexual assault,

rape, and other acts of violence. Additionally, they must create safe spaces for survivors, by
allowing them to continue their education without the fear of their assailant. DeVos argues that

the liberal use of procedure in accordance with complaints has led to the incorrect sentencing of

students. She believes that due process is not allowed, since administration handles situations

involving sexual assault. DeVos sites examples from real situation where young men are accused

of harassment and face serious consequences, despite being unjustly accused. While these

situations are real, they are the minority. Some students may have had a negative experience

through Title IX procedure, but many victims have found the justice they desire and a new sense

of safety. While Secretary DeVos may have used facts in her reasoning regarding Title IX, I

believe that the legislation is extremely important in the protection of American college students.

Secretary Betsy DeVos plans to refigure Title IX, a law focused on protecting students

from sex discrimination through athletics, education, and assault, due to past disregard of due

process. I disagree with Secretary DeVoss plan, as it seems to be reverting back to old

techniques of handling sexual misconduct on college campuses. In a time when rape culture is at

a high and the voices of victims are stifled, Title IX gives a voice to survivors. By continuing the

use of Title IX, those who survive acts of violence can find peace after speaking freely with

administration and knowing that they have a right to learn in a safe environment. I hope that

Secretary Betsy DeVos will choose to keep Title IX and keep America's schools safe.