On Nov. 30 the American River College Student Senate discussed signing and supporting a Title IX letter being sent to Secretary Betsy DeVos.
DeVos has issued new guidelines which will change how public colleges and educational institutions must handle cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment in accordance to Title IX. These new guidelines will raise the burden of proof for victims.
The letter was written by Chas Newman, a senior at Georgetown University, and has been sent to colleges across the nation requesting signatures of support before it is to be sent to DeVos.
It is stated within the letter that DeVos’ proposed revisions would place “… an undue burden on victims of sexual assault.”
Student Senate advisor Juan Blanco explained that in the court’s decision is based upon the idea of a reasonable doubt, whereas in the collegial system it is based upon preponderance of evidence. When a case is reported to a college or university they then have the right to intervene in the situation until the case has been solved.
It’s also up to the discretion of the conduct officer of the campus to make a decision after hearing statements from all involved, to make a decision as to whether or not to hold the student responsible, Blanco said.
“Raising the burden of proof may make it more difficult for colleges to act quickly,” Blanco said.
The topic has been tabled until the next senate meeting, at which members will have time to review the letter more thoroughly.
