Maximizing Compliance with Federal Regulations Governing Sexual Assault on College Campuses

Colleges and universities have an obligation to make their campuses a safe place for all students. Over the past two years, an exceptional number of Title IX complaints alleging institutional mishandling of sexual assault investigations were filed with the U.S. Department of Education and in court by both complainants and respondents. In recent years, the White House and Congress have given more attention to campus sexual assaults.

For example, in April 2014, the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault released Not Alone: The First Report of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. On the same day, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights issued Questions and Answers on Title IX and Sexual Violence. One year later, in April 2015, the U.S. Department of Education issued new guidance specifically directed at Title IX coordinators. New obligations have also been imposed through the enactment of the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act) included as part of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

A new era of Title IX enforcement and attention by the federal government has begun. As a result of recent events, existing policies and prevention techniques that were compliant with Title IX prior to April 2014 may no longer be compliant. This seminar, presented by Cullen and Dykman attorney Hayley Dryer, will explore how colleges and universities can maximize their ability to recognize, prevent and respond to allegations of sexual misconduct in an expeditious and cost effective manner. Dryer will help to ensure that your institution is doing everything it can to comply with Title IX in light of recent White House guidance and the Department of Education’s heightened expectations.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Review Title IX enforcement of sexual assault on college and university campuses
2. Understand the Department of Education’s recently implemented federal guidance
3. Discuss the role of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault
4. Explore best practices for how colleges and universities can maximize their ability to recognize, prevent and respond to allegations of sexual misconduct, and ensure compliance with federal regulations