Society needs to both treat cancer and work to prevent it.
The same is true of campus sexual misconduct.
But recent statements by Title IX feminist groups such as Know Your IX completely ignore ways to prevent sexual misconduct, complaining, instead, about campus procedures and sexual assault before they even occur.
“This is upside down and backward. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” National Association of Scholars Policy Director Teresa R. Manning says.
“If these groups really cared about potential victims of sexual assault, they’d prepare new students for campus challenges with advice about socializing, dating, and partying to keep them healthy and safe, the way groups such as Help Save the Next Girl and The Fidelity Network do. Even simple tips such as designated drivers, the buddy system, or parking in well-lit areas are helpful reminders for new students.”
“That they choose, instead, to prematurely call themselves ‘survivors’ and engage in political posturing speaks volumes. They seem to want to be political agitators rather than advocates for a healthy, safe, and happy college experience.”
Title IX is the federal law banning sex discrimination at schools receiving federal funds. Last August, a new rule took effect to ensure both supportive measures for those who complain of discriminatory sexual misconduct as well as due process for those accused of such offenses, including the presumption of innocence, the right to see evidence, and the right to cross examine witnesses and accusers. The rule-making process took 3 years and involved a review of 124,000 public comments, resulting in 2,000 pages of explanation. Lawsuits against the rule have thus far failed, with every court to review the rule finding it both lawful and reasonable.
The Biden Administration has announced, however, its own review of Title IX, a move widely regarded as the first step toward formally rescinding the new rule. The nomination of Catherine Lhamon to oversee Title IX failed in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee earlier this summer.
For more information on Title IX, see the NAS Report, Dear Colleague: The Weaponization of Title IX, and related articles by NAS Policy Director Teresa R. Manning.
Image: Trevin Rudy, Public Domain
