Department of Education Released 2024 Title IX Regulations
On Friday, April 19, the Department of Education (DoE) released its new Title IX regulations of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which prohibit discrimination based on gender in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. The new regulations are a result of the DoE’s consideration of numerous comments from impacted individuals, legal experts, and colleges and universities like Vassar. They include a broader definition of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment, an expansion of critical protections for the LGBTQI+ community and pregnant and parenting students, and the reinstatement of protections for students reporting sexual assault and harassment. Importantly, the regulations maintain equitable due process protections for complainants and accused individuals. The new regulations also rescind the mandate for live hearings with cross-examination through advisors—unless required by state law.
Because the new regulations were issued so late in our academic year and have an implementation deadline of August 1, 2024, Vassar’s Title IX Policy will be revised over the summer. In the meantime, our current policies and procedures remain in effect. This past year, EOAA/TIX proactively convened a working group consisting of members from the Title IX Student Advisory Committee, Committee on College Life, the Faculty Policy and Conference Committee (FPCC), and the College’s General Counsel to discuss how the College would comply with the proposed regulations and what choices will best support Vassar’s culture, resources, and institutional needs/goals. After implementing a new interim policy for the fall semester on August 1, 2024, EOAA/TIX will hold additional listening sessions with students, faculty, administrators, and staff before working with FPCC to bring the revised policy to the Faculty Meeting for a discussion and, for any specific areas not defined by federal or state law, a vote.
As we navigate these changes together, we understand that you may have questions or concerns. For any comments, questions, or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to Belinda Guthrie (eoaa-titleix@vassar.edu), Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity, or Jeffrey Schneider (jeschneider@vassar.edu), Faculty Director of Affirmative Action. We are here to support you during this transition period.