Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Secretary DeVos Seeks to Silence Survivors of Sexual Violence

WASHINGTON—In response to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’ announcement to reconsider Title IX sexual assault guidance, Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement:

“Today, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos launched her latest and mean-spirited attack on students’ civil rights. Make no mistake – Secretary DeVos is seeking to silence the voices of survivors of sexual assault. The existing Title IX guidance is vital because it provides campuses the information they need to provide all students an educational environment free from sex discrimination and violence. Today’s announcement, although it makes no change to any law, once again demonstrates DeVos’ unwillingness to protect students and enforce the law. Equal opportunity in education is a fundamental American value. Schools still have a legal responsibility to take effective steps to end sexual harassment and sexual violence. Despite the latest attacks on students, including President Trump’s decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), we fully expect our nation’s educators to provide the welcoming and supportive environments that students need to succeed and that the law requires.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.