The Georgia Board of Regents just released new policies on sexual misconduct investigations on the state's public campuses. The new policies require reports to the University System of any cases involving alleged violations that may result in a suspension or expulsion.
Nationwide, colleges are examining how they handle complaints of sexual misconduct in response to mounting criticisms that the rights of the accused are being ignored.
Last month, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos met with students, parents, schools, advocacy groups and experts to learn about their experiences. She sat down with victims of sexual assault and students who, according to ED, “have been falsely accused and disciplined under Title IX.”
DeVos is investigating whether directives from ED’s Office of Civil Rights have led to protracted and unfair investigations. She says her goal is balancing the rights of accusers and the accused.
The Georgia Legislature debated changing how universities handle sexual misconduct charges, but that effort did not succeed this year after victims protested. These policy changes by the Regents appear to be a way to appease lawmakers who wanted more oversight and consistency in how cases are handled.
Here is the statement from the Regents:
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