Statement regarding proposed changes to Title IX rules

November 28, 2018

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As you may know, the U.S. Department of Education recently released proposed new rules related to Title IX and the responsibilities and requirements that educational institutions have with regard to responding to sexual misconduct. The document outlining the proposed rules is nearly 150 pages long and includes a number of significant changes. We are reviewing the proposals in detail and considering them carefully in the context of our existing policies, and we are consulting with colleagues throughout higher education as we all contemplate the implications of such changes.

The department’s proposed rules are subject to a 60-day public comment period that is set to begin tomorrow (Thursday, November 29), and we certainly anticipate submitting a response on behalf of Trinity College. We expect many individuals and institutions within the higher education community to do so as well. To submit your own comments to the department, or for more information, please visit https://www.regulations.gov/.

In the meantime, I want to reaffirm in the strongest possible manner my personal commitment and that of the entire campus community to the work to end sexual and gender-based misconduct at Trinity. That work includes prevention and education efforts, support and resources, and fair and effective processes for adjudicating complaints. We will continue to strive to create a community and a culture at Trinity that are truly respectful, inclusive, and safe for all. If you wish to speak with a member of the staff about this matter, please reach out to Venice Ross, Title IX coordinator, or Joe DiChristina, vice president for student affairs and dean of campus life.

Sincerely,

Joanne Berger-Sweeney
President and Trinity College Professor of Neuroscience