New Title IX regulations won’t compromise our commitment to stopping sexual misconduct

As we have been expecting for some time, the U.S Department of Education issued new Title IX regulations this week, which will go into effect on August 14, 2020. While we were hopeful the Department of Education would incorporate more of the feedback that we – and more than 120,000 others – provided during the notice -and-comment period that would have allowed us to maintain our present process, it’s clear the new regulations will require some changes.

University personnel are working now to complete a thorough analysis of the final regulations, which run to more than 2,000 pages. Information will be posted in coming weeks on the Title IX website providing an initial overview of how those changes will impact us across the UW, and providing you with opportunity for input as we implement the new regulations.

These regulation changes do not diminish our shared responsibility to create a culture that does not tolerate sexual assault, harassment or misconduct. The University of Washington’s commitment to preventing and responding to any and all kinds of sexual violence remains unwavering. We will continue to be a community in which survivors are supported and where equitable, fair processes are followed. Most importantly, we will maintain our commitment to an inclusive, respectful and caring University. The culture we create must be felt as clearly in our offices, labs and classrooms as in our residence halls and Greek houses. It must be part of who we are – all of us, students, faculty and staff – whenever and wherever we go.

Once again, I encourage everyone to remember that it’s on each of us to do our part to end all forms of sexual assault and harassment. Together we can continue to foster a culture that enables everyone to feel safe, supported and free to thrive.