UW raises concerns over proposed changes to Title IX
Marcie Sillman spoke to Valery Richardson, Title IX Coordinator at the University of Washington, about the changes that U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has proposed for how the university handles instances of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Richardson explained why the university is concerned about the changing definition of sexual misconduct. In January, UW President Ana Marie Cauce submitted a letter with the university's comments, as part of the public comment period for the proposal.
Title IX changes
US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has proposed changing the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX, which would change how schools respond to complaints. Among other changes, misconduct would need to be “severe,” “pervasive,” AND “offensive,” rather than just one of the three as in the current law. Valery Richardson is the Title IX Coordinator at the University of Washington, and she has some concerns about the proposed changes.
