May 7, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released its long-anticipated new Title IX regulations. You may recall that I wrote a year ago to share the letter submitted by the College during the public comment period for the proposed changes to the Title IX process.
Over the coming weeks, we will carefully review the new federal regulations and determine what revisions are required to our current policies and procedures in order to come into compliance with the new rules. Title IX Coordinator Laurie Frankl will share her assessment of the new regulations in a campus-wide email message and will explain what changes to our work will be mandated as well as where there will be opportunities for community input. As policies and procedures are modified to comply with the new rules, our online information will be updated accordingly. We anticipate being in full compliance with the new regulations by August 14, 2020, as legally required.
I want to reiterate that the College is committed to sex and gender equity in education and to a fair and effective process by which members of our community may address sexual harassment and discrimination. As we move to implement the required changes, we will continue to cultivate a culture of respect and inclusion. I want to reassure the community that despite a national environment in which Title IX is being politicized, our Title IX office is here for you, committed to offering services and resources with compassion and equity and to a transparent process that does everything possible to support affected individuals.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Laurie Frankl.
Biddy