The action crystallized a pledge Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made on Sept. 7 to replace what she called a “failed system” of civil rights enforcement related to campus sexual assault. It also dovetailed with a high-profile campaign by the Obama White House to combat sexual violence. “This backward step invites colleges to once again sweep sexual violence under the rug. The interim guidance could also affect federal civil rights investigations at some colleges and universities. As of this month, the department reported that more than 250 schools faced inquiries related to their handling of sexual violence complaints.

Source: Washington Post September 22, 2017 16:30 UTC