Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’ choice to rescind the “Dear Colleague” letter was impulsive, irresponsible and, ultimately, sends a bold and insulting statement on her feelings toward the victims of sexual assault.
A multitude of studies, including research done by the National Institute of Justice, the American Counseling Association and even the CDC have shown that the victims of sexual assault are unmatched when it comes to long-term psychological effects that such an act can have.
Former President Barack Obama and his administration saw the magnitude of the issue and did their part in the fight against it when they implemented the administrative guidance, the “Dear Colleague” letter, under Title IX, in 2011.
The “Dear Colleague” letter laid out a plan advising college administrations on how to deal with sexual assault, harassment and abuse as stated in the Department of Education’s archival database. It also contained ordinances such as protection for transgender students, minorities and bullying regulations.
In order to reduce the guilt and victim-shaming associated with rape culture, the “Dear Colleague” letter stated that only the lowest level of evidence — legally referred to as a preponderance of the evidence — needed to be met in order to convict.
Some believed this interfered with the entirety of the justice system, meaning it became much easier to convict and much harder to defend yourself when convicted. Additionally, the right to confront your accuser was no longer applicable on college campuses, an issue that many believe impeded on the Sixth Amendment rights of the accused.
However, DeVos could have made alterations to the “Dear Colleague” letter to address this concern, instead of rescinding it in its entirety.
In response, many universities blatantly refused to cooperate, according to the Washington Post, even though doing so actively surrenders their federal funding.
DeVos had no immediate plan got replacement plan upon her announcement to rescind the “Dear Colleague” letter according to the New York Times and still has yet to come up with anything.
According to the Washington Post, the official position of the Department of Education is that new rules regarding sexual assault in colleges should be expected in weeks to come.
Public hearings on said rules would give the American public, including college students, a voice to shape rules concerning sexual assault, protection of transgender students and the equal treatment of all demographics.
Awareness and education about this formerly taboo topic have become a vital factor in preventing it before it happens. We must aid the affected individuals by getting involved.
Speak out about what you think the laws should be. Many think their voices won’t be heard, but if everyone speaks out, then our government will have no choice but to take notice and, most importantly, take action.
According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, every 98 seconds, another victim is stripped of their dignity through sexual assault or rape. Our country is fighting an uphill battle to protect the innocent of our society with no end in sight.
A place where all human life is treated with compassion and respect is not out of reach for our country, but it will require active participation from everyone.
Kaylee Cunningham is a freshman public relations major.
