Johns Hopkins University released a statement Thursday in response to the new Title IX regulations on campus sexual assault and harassment issued by the U.S. Department of Education on Wednesday.
The amended regulations, which take effect Aug. 14, introduce significant changes in the rules governing how schools must respond to sexual misconduct allegations. The university is reviewing the regulations to see what impact they have and will keep the Hopkins community updated as any policy revisions are considered.
Below is the complete statement issued by the university:
"Yesterday, the United States Department of Education (DOE) released long-anticipated final amended regulations governing college and university handling of sexual misconduct matters under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities which receive federal financial assistance.
"The university is now undertaking a careful review of the final regulations to determine how they will impact our existing policies and procedures on sexual misconduct, which were developed several years ago after extensive consultation within our community. We are disappointed that the DOE did not fully address the concerns we raised in our public comments on the draft regulations. Nonetheless, like all educational institutions that receive federal funding, the university is required to ensure our policies are compliant with these new regulations, no later than August 14, 2020.
"To the extent that we can maintain our existing practices after the new regulations go into effect, we will do so, and in the interim, our policies and procedures remain unchanged. We also will keep our community informed of any changes that are required, and we will seek the input of the faculty, staff and students who serve on the Provost's Sexual Violence Advisory Committee (SVAC), along with other university partners. The university remains deeply committed to continuing our efforts to prevent sexual misconduct, address reports and concerns in a timely and fair manner, and provide support and resources for those involved in sexual misconduct matters."
