Ahead of a high-stakes election, Republicans are waging war on students’ right to safety from sexual violence.
This year marks the 52nd anniversary of Title IX, a landmark civil rights law that has transformed the landscape of education in the United States. As we commemorate this milestone, it is crucial to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing challenges in ensuring that every student, regardless of their background or identity, is protected from sexual violence and discrimination. This election year is particularly significant as it underscores the critical intersection of reproductive justice, gender rights and civil liberties—all of which are deeply intertwined with the protections offered by Title IX.
The former Trump administration sought to undermine Title IX, placing perpetrators on a pedestal and stripping student survivors of their rights. The 2020 amendments introduced by former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos made the reporting process more daunting and less supportive for survivors. These changes not only rolled back protections but also reinforced a culture of silence and fear.
In contrast, the Biden-Harris administration’s forthcoming Title IX regulations, set to take effect on Aug. 1, aim to restore and strengthen protections for students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. These regulations are a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals, pregnant and parenting students and others whose intersections of identity are often encumbered by white supremacy and patriarchy. They promise a more equitable and supportive environment for all students, acknowledging the diverse experiences and unique challenges faced by marginalized groups.
However, the fight to protect these regulations is far from over. In a concerning move, at least 15 states have passed resolutions in the House invoking the Congressional Review Act to try to overturn Title IX and prevent it from taking effect on Aug. 1. This action underscores the ongoing resistance to ensuring comprehensive protections for all students and highlights the high stakes of this election year.
Sexual violence knows no bounds. It affects individuals across all identities, races and backgrounds. However, the experiences of LGBTQ+ students, pregnant and parenting students, and other marginalized groups are often ignored or minimized. The new Title IX regulations represent a significant step toward rectifying this oversight by acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities.
By expanding our understanding of who deserves protection, we move closer to a more inclusive and just society.
Remember Oluwatoyin “Toyin” Salau.
Toyin’s story is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Black women and other marginalized individuals to sexual violence. Her tragic death underscores the urgent need for inclusive and robust protections under Title IX and beyond. While the Title IX regulations are far from perfect, they expand upon certain provisions and remove mandates on traumatizing processes such as live-cross examinations during the grievance process. These changes are crucial in making the reporting and grievance processes less intimidating and more supportive for survivors.
There is a persistent false narrative that Title IX was intended solely for “biological women” and that the expansion of its protections threatens women’s rights. In reality, the new regulations aim to cement and protect the rights of all women, men and nonbinary students, especially those at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities.
Recognizing the diverse experiences and needs of all students does not detract from women’s rights. It strengthens them. It ensures that every individual, regardless of their gender identity or other aspects of their identity, can live their full, authentic selves without fear of discrimination or violence.
Remember Nex Benedict.
Nex, a transgender student whose life was tragically cut short due to the compounded weight of discrimination, harassment, violence, relentless bullying and systemic barriers that ultimately led to their untimely death. Nex’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the intersectional struggles faced by LGBTQ+ students. Their loss underscores the urgent need for comprehensive Title IX protections that extend beyond binary notions of gender and address the specific needs of all students.
At End Rape On Campus, we see people for who they are—living human beings deserving of dignity and respect. The fight for comprehensive Title IX protections is a fight for everyone. By expanding our understanding of who deserves protection, we move closer to a more inclusive and just society.
As advocates and allies, we must continue to push for policies that recognize and address the needs of all survivors. We must challenge the biases and narratives that have long excluded marginalized voices from the conversation. And most importantly, we must ensure that every student can pursue their education free from the threat of sexual violence.
In this historic election year, with President Biden stepping down from the presidential campaign and Vice President Kamala Harris stepping up as the new candidate, the stakes are even higher. The starkly different political ideologies, leadership styles and policy priorities of the candidates highlight crucial choices for survivor voters. One is a seasoned prosecutor known for her advocacy on civil rights and justice reform; the other is a former president noted for his stringent immigration policies and controversial stance on discrimination and reproductive health. The leadership will profoundly impact protections and support available to all students, especially those from marginalized communities.
U.S. lawmakers and leaders must uphold and expand these vital protections, ensuring Title IX and other civil rights laws fulfill their promise, and every student is seen, heard, protected and believed.
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