Title IX is essential in protecting each student's right to equal access to education and an educational experience free from violence.

Despite ample opportunities to do so, the incoming administration has not yet expressed commitment to protect sexual assault survivors and LGBTQ students under Title IX. Even scarier, the GOP platform made it clear that it wants to weaken the enforcement of Title IX. This would have massive implications for campus safety, and would be devastating for survivors, LGBTQ students, and so many others who rely on Title IX.

Betsy DeVos has been confirmed as the Secretary of Education for the United States. In her position, DeVos has the power to enforce these Title IX protections and it's up to us to ensure that she does. 

1. Maintain the Department of Education’s guidance documents clarifying schools’ legal responsibilities to prevent and address sexual harassment under Title IX
2. Continue to recognize preponderance of evidence as the appropriate standard of proof in campus sexual harassment investigations
3. Maintain federal transparency in Title IX enforcement by continuing to publish lists of schools under investigation for Title IX violations and those who have claimed religious exemptions allowing them to discriminate against LGBT, pregnant, and parenting students
4. Maintain the Department of Education's 2016 guidance documents clarifying schools’ obligations to protect transgender students

Learn how you can get involved and spread the word below.

Click here to see all of our videos

To make your own video:

Film yourself using your computer or smartphone (or use a camera if you're feeling fancy!) and begin your video with "Dear Betsy"

Take a moment to explain why Title IX protections are important to you in 30 seconds or less. This can be as personal or impersonal as you wish. You do not have to be a survivor of sexual violence, a member of the LGBTQ community, or a woman to participate. Title IX impacts all of us.

Some talking points to consider...

• Title IX guarantees survivors of sexual violence much-needed resources following an assault.

•  Title IX and the guidance provided by the Office for Civil Rights have clarified the responsibilities that colleges and universities have to ensure schools are safe, and provides a framework for students to hold their schools accountable.

•  Title IX protects our right to an education free from gender-based violence.

• Title IX protects LGBTQ students from discrimination.

Finish your video by making an "ask," such as...

"Keep students safe from campus rape. Protect Title IX."

"Protect survivors of sexual violence. Enforce Title IX.”

"Help ensure student survivors have options."

Then, share the video on social media and tag @BetsyDeVos using the hashtag #DearBetsy

Please feel free to email Colleen, the Director of Media and Strategic Communications at EROC, at Cdaly@endrapeoncampus.org with any questions.

Tweet your video explaining why #TitleIX matters to you and/or send out one of the tweets provided below. Be sure to use the hashtag #DearBetsy and the handle @BetsyDeVos.

Click here for more videos to tweet!