The 2018 midterm-election season was far from ordinary. Due to the current political climate and the vehement polarization between parties, an estimated 113 million people participated in this year's elections. This record-breaking voter turnout out rate made this year's midterm elections the first midterm in history to exceed 100 million votes.

As a result of the elections, Democrats gained a net 27 seats in the House of Representatives, gaining control of the chamber, while Republicans expanded their majority seats in the Senate. But now that Democrats have control of at least one chamber of Congress, they can begin to flex their newfound power. And while it's likely that they won't be passing any new higher education legislation any time soon, they will have the power to hold hearings.

Just as Democrats promised to check Trump, a likely target will also be Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. DeVos was featured in quite a few attack ads aimed at Democratic candidates during the campaign. And she was used as a symbol of what was wrong with President Trump's policies by Democratic candidates. Democrats have long stated that once they get in the House, they will make reinstating the protections for survivors on college campuses a priority.

As mentioned before in a prior article, the Education Department plans to release a new guidance that unravels much of the protections guaranteed under Obama-era guidance. DeVos' approach to reform has been apparent: more due process rights to accused students of sexual misconduct, cross-examinations in live hearings, and a higher standard of evidence in schools.

The recapturing of the House for Democrats likely means that Rep. Bobby Scott will be placed in charge of the House education committee. He's been a loud critic of DeVos, even writing her an open letter urging her to uphold and protect the civil rights of students. So, it's expected that oversight of DeVos and all of her efforts will be exponentially increased.

Since DeVos assumed office over a year ago, the previous head of the education committee only called her to testify before the committee once. But with Scott in charge, we can expect to see more of DeVos on Capitol Hill.

Nationwide Title IX Advisor

The only way to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld is to retain a student defense attorney. For respondents, especially, the assistance of an attorney advisor is invaluable in the Title IX process. National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento has the skill, experience, and expertise to help you preserve your entitled rights under Title IX and your school's policy. For a case evaluation or more information about his representation, contact him online or give him a call at 888-535-3686 today.