Betsy DeVos and the Department of Education introduced new Title IX regulations in May, and schools had until mid-August to create new policies. With President-Elect Biden's new administration beginning in January, there may be more changes to address, however at this time, schools still are working within the current guidance. In fact, many colleges and universities are still wrangling the implications and the format of their new policies and procedures. For example, Stanford University's newspaper, The Stanford Daily has recently highlighted several adjustments to the school's policies.

Stanford University's Limited Amnesty Policy

On October 27^th, Stanford University released an update to its September 18^th announcement of the creation of a SHARES office which combined the school's Title IX, Sexual Assault and Relationship Abuse Education and Response, and Sexual Harassment Policy Offices.

In this update, Stanford University changed a clause from the September 10th, 2020 Campus Compact, which granted blanket amnesty from COVID-19 related violations to reporters of sexual violence or misconduct. According to The Stanford Daily, University spokesperson E.J. Miranda wrote that “the clause (‘For Academic Year 2020-2021 only') reflected the hope that there would only be COVID restrictions in place for one year,” in a statement to The Daily. “Recognizing that the amnesty should be in place for as long as there are COVID restrictions, it has been removed.”

Additional changes included removing language that suggested a complainant would have to file a formal complaint (for university procedures) and expanding the titles of the procedures.

The Stanford Daily also reports that according to Stanford law professor Michele Dauber, “for the SHARE procedures to be fully effective, they must cover all individuals experiencing and committing sexual violence, not only those subject to the administrative guide. She cited the case of Chanel Miller …. According to Dauber, the respondent would not have been investigated by the university because former Stanford student Brock Turner, who was convicted of a felony, had withdrawn.”

Impact on Accused Students

As the debate about Title IX and college sexual misconduct policy and procedure continues, it's important for students accused of college sexual misconduct to keep abreast of the latest procedures in place at their specific university or college. Make sure that you carefully read through whatever is the most current policy. Additionally, it's important to not speak with anyone at your school regarding the case without consulting with an attorney-advisor whose expertise is assisting students with these sorts of allegations.

Experienced Title IX and College Sexual Misconduct Attorney-Advisor

If you or a loved one has been accused of college sexual misconduct or a Title IX offense, it can be incredibly scary. With so much at risk and the seriousness of the allegations, you might even feel overwhelmed. You don't have to face this alone, however. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento has helped hundreds of students over the years fight for their due process, whether they attended Stanford or other schools. He doesn't quit until he reaches the best possible outcome for you or your loved one. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online for a consultation.