Office of Senate Legal Counsel Announces the Establishment of the Senate Task Force on Title IX

Washington, DC –– Today, the Office of Senate Legal Counsel issues the following statement regarding the Department of Education’s proposed changes to Title IX regulations:

“In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX––the landmark civil rights law that has protected generations of students from sex-based discrimination––the U.S. Department of Education released for public comment several proposed changes to its regulations. Among the Department of Education’s changes are an expansion of Title IX’s scope to off-campus activities, elimination of its live hearing requirement, changes in its evidential standard of proof, and inclusion of queer students. The Department of Education’s proposed changes make significant strides toward achieving Title IX’s promise that all students be guaranteed an education environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex––including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

“It is in this spirit that the Office of Senate Legal Counsel announces, under the direction of the Student Association Vice President, the establishment of the Senate Task Force on Title IX. The purpose of this task force is to review the Department of Education’s proposed changes in collaboration with Student Association stakeholders, advise the Student Association Senate on the George Washington University’s implementation of these changes, facilitate a conversation on implementing additional survivor-centric policies at the George Washington University, and publishing a final report of the task force’s work at the end of the 2022-2023 academic year.

“As students and stakeholders in our college community, it is within our power to make our campus a safer and more equitable place. Thus, the Office of Senate Legal Counsel will be soliciting membership for the Senate Task Force on Title IX. Consistent with Article VI of the Student Association Constitution, membership may include representatives from stakeholder student organizations and both undergraduate and graduate students.”

Students and student organizations interested in participating in the Senate Task Force on Title IX are encouraged to express their interest to the Office of Senate Legal Counsel. The Student Association will soon release a public form for feedback on the George Washington University’s Title IX resources and processes. In addition, the Student Association is preparing a “Campus Climate” survey to learn more about student’s experience on campus and how the university can improve.

Contact: Juan Carlos Mora

707.999.6367

jcmora@gwu.edu