Smith Responds to Proposed Title IX Changes

In November 2018, the U.S. Department of Education proposed changes to Title IX, the landmark civil rights law that prohibits sex and gender discrimination. These proposed changes would, among other things, significantly alter how schools respond to sexual misconduct.

Amy Hunter, the college’s institutional equity officer and Title IX coordinator, says that after thoughtful study, Smith has gone on record with concerns about some of the proposed changes. She further notes that the proposed regulations will not alter Smith’s commitment to supporting sexual-assault survivors.

Here’s what else she had to say about the proposed changes.

How is Smith responding to the proposed changes in federal regulations?

Over the past few months, Smith has joined peer schools and member organizations to study and comment on the proposed regulations. The college is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Massachusetts; the statement that AICUM submitted on behalf of its members, including Smith, is online.

Does Smith endorse the proposed changes?

We disagree with some of the proposed changes because they are antithetical to the very purpose of Title IX, an anti-discrimination statute. Some of the proposed regulations undermine hard-fought progress toward combating sexual violence.

What will the proposed changes mean to Smith students?

The most important thing for the Smith community to know is that we are committed to providing an environment free of discrimination, including sexual violence. We will continue to respond to reports of sexual misconduct in a timely and equitable manner. We will continue to strive to make it comfortable for victims to come forward, seek support, and avail themselves of various avenues of recourse.

To file a complaint involving gender-based or sexual misconduct

Reminder: If you believe that you or someone you know has experienced gender-based or sexual misconduct, please contact the Office of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity and/or file a Title IX report using the OIDE reporting tool.

If you have any questions about reporting or need more information, please contact the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity or Title IX Coordinator Amy Hunter.

Smith College’s Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct Policy is online.