March 2022

This month, President Biden signed into law the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation passed by Congress that contains many provisions affecting students at K-12 schools and colleges, including grant programs, studies, a model climate survey, and the creation of a Task Force on Sexual Violence in Education.
 
Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) are two of the federal laws that are focused on providing safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning and work environments on campus. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault and sexual violence. VAWA also requires Universities to address sexual violence, interpersonal violence, and stalking. The two laws overlap and complement each other in the following ways:
 
Title IX:
  • Prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance (e.g., athletics, courses). Also prohibits sexual harassment, which includes acts of sexual violence, and retaliating against a person for filing a complaint or speaking up about rights protected under Title IX.
  • If the University knows about an instance of prohibited conduct that creates a hostile environment, Title IX requires the University to take immediate action to provide supportive measures and address the conduct.
  • Requires schools to adopt specific procedures for addressing reports and designate a Title IX compliance coordinator to oversee the response including supportive measures for those impacted.
 
 
VAWA:
  • Requires University policies and procedures to address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
  • Requires education programs, prevention programs, and awareness campaigns on sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
  • Requires information about available resources, law enforcement options, and protective measures such as changes to living situations or class schedules.
  • Mandates that higher education institutions conduct a standardized campus climate survey every two years, developed by the Secretary of Education. 
  • Provides for the Clery Act and its complaint process.
 
 
We provide legal counsel and guidance through these murky processes, preparing students for interviews, hearings and mitigating the potential damage to one’s academic career. Our attorneys have the extraordinary and unique experience necessary to provide a superior level of professional representation in these processes. If we can be of assistance, call us today at 610-648-9300 or Click here to Contact Us.

We are a nationally recognized firm that provides families of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Area, and New Jersey with exceptional legal representation in Special Education, Estate Planning, Abuse of Vulnerable Citizens, and the representation of individuals involved in higher education allegations of misconduct.
Main Office: 30 Cassatt Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312
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