In a recent move, the House of Representatives has passed a resolution aimed at overturning the Title IX rule, a federal regulation that governs how schools handle allegations of sexual misconduct. The resolution, which was introduced by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), seeks to roll back the revised rule that was implemented by the Trump administration in 2020.
The Trump administration’s rule, which was announced in November 2020, changed the way schools handle sexual misconduct cases, including those involving sexual harassment and assault. The rule, which went into effect in August 2020, narrowed the definition of sexual harassment and granted schools greater discretion in determining whether incidents of misconduct are severe enough to warrant a formal investigation.
The new rule has been widely criticized by advocates for survivors of sexual misconduct, who argue that it creates a hostile environment for survivors and makes it more difficult for them to report and pursue their cases. The rule has also been criticized for its broad enforcement of procedural protections, which can make it difficult for schools to effectively respond to incidents of sexual misconduct.
The resolution passed by the House is seen as a major step forward in the fight to protect the rights of survivors of sexual misconduct. The resolution is now expected to be taken up by the Senate, where it will face a uncertain fate. The Trump administration has been a vocal supporter of the rule, and it is likely that the Senate will face opposition from Republicans who are opposed to rolling back the rule.
In a statement, Representative Bonamici praised the passage of the resolution, saying “Today, we are taking a crucial step towards creating a safer and more just environment for survivors of sexual misconduct. The Trump administration’s rule has been a disaster, and it is time for us to return to a more robust and effective approach to addressing these critical issues.”
The passage of the resolution is a major victory for advocates for survivors of sexual misconduct, who have been pushing for change for years. The resolution is expected to have significant implications for the future of Title IX enforcement and the way that schools handle allegations of sexual misconduct.
