Education Sec. Betsy DeVos to Act on Campus Sexual Assault Rules

A group of Congresswomen are speaking out against the comments made by Candice Jackson, the head of the Civil Rights division at the Department of Education, downplaying the progress made to combat sexual assault, and directing scorn at sexual assault accusers.

Late last week, Jackson had told the New York Times that 90 percent of sexual assault accusations on college campuses are a result of being "drunk" and women deciding six months later that their “sleeping together was not quite right.”

She has since apologized, calling her comments "flippant."

Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) says she recognizes the apology but still criticizes the underlying message sent by the Education Department employee.

"It’s so appalling to hear this sort of victim blaming coming from the person in charge of protecting our students from sexual assault. We need a highly competent system led by highly competent people, not officials who blame victims. I understand that there has been an apology. An apology will certainly be enough if the comments weren’t somehow indicative of the actions we have already seen from the Department of Education," Davis told reporters at the Capitol.

The group of congresswoman fear Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is setting the wrong tone for the department she just took over and believes the Trump administration is trying to dismantle the work done by the anti-discriminatory Title IX policies.

"I want to be very clear, I expect you, as our Secretary of Education, to protect our students against sexual violence," says Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI). “To support a safe environment for our students. And I expect you through investigation of all accusations, to treat these cases as serious and one of your highest responsibilities.”

The Title IX policies, which expanded under the Obama administration, requires universities to better investigate sexual assault cases and it gives guidance for how to handle sexual assault reports. While several congresswomen say colleges are still escaping accountability, there has still been progress made in decreasing sexual assault. However, House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that the Trump administration is "turning back the clock" on this issue and is trying to eliminate the Title IX policies altogether.

"The Trump administration is dismantling that progress," Pelosi told reporters at the Capitol. “Attacking Title IX protections, which includes transgender students, cutting funding and staff for the office of civil rights. This is inequality, it is injustice. My comments are about respect for women, and strengthening the office of civil rights, not weakening it. There has always been this nipping away from some in Congress who just would like to get rid of it. Every women has the right to feel safe on campus.”

Contact your lawmakers or the Department of Education and let your voice be heard!

-- Matt Laslo in the U.S. Capitol

(Photo Credit: Sarbiya1105 via Pixabay)