Better enforcing Title IX anti-discrimination rules on college campuses will be the topic of a June virtual hearing held by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
The office, also known as OCR, is reviewing existing Title IX regulations as it implements President Joe Biden’s March 8 executive order on “Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free from Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity.”
“The Department is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in and out of the classroom, including in extracurricular activities and other educational settings,” Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said.
“This hearing is an important opportunity for us to hear diverse views from students, educators, and members of the public on our work to vigorously enforce Title IX’s protections against sex discrimination and create pathways of opportunity for every student across the country,” Cardona said.
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During the June 7-11 hearings, OCR officials gather input from students, parents, faculty, administrators on how they think Title IX should be changed and what related anti-discrimination actions are needed.
OCR’s state goals are ensuring that:
- Students who experience sexual harassment, including sexual violence, receive appropriate supports
- Schools provide fair processes for resolving complaints of sexual harassment, including sexual violence;
- Students who have experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity have their legal rights fully met.
OCR is also working to fulfill another Biden executive order on “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.”
More information, including how to attend, can be found in the official notice for the hearing. Educators and members of the public can to register to make a live comment during the hearing here.
Written comments can be sent to [email protected], following the guidelines in the hearing notice.
