Response to Dept. of Education’s proposed new Title IX regulations

Dear members of the Kenyon College community,

On Friday, Nov. 16, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) issued a draft of proposed new regulations (PDF) that would replace the interim federal guidance (PDF) issued in September 2017 regarding the enforcement of Title IX. The DOE is offering a public period of notice-and-comment before finalizing the new regulation (PDF) at a date not yet determined. When the new regulations are finalized and issued, it is expected they will include an effective date by which the College will be required to comply.

Regardless of the content of the finalized regulations, Kenyon is committed to promoting and providing a campus environment that is free from sex- and gender-based harassment and violence. All members of the campus community must be able to learn and work in a setting that is safe and supportive. If an incident of sex- or gender-based discrimination or harassment challenges a person’s safety, the College will work to treat all parties involved with fairness and sensitivity while fulfilling the College’s obligations as outlined in the Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy.  

Until the new federal regulations are finalized, the College will continue to follow its established policies. College staff and legal counsel are jointly and carefully reviewing the draft of the proposed regulations to ensure that, when final regulations are enacted, the College’s policies will continue to be in compliance. We do not yet precisely know how College policies and practices might change to adhere to these new federal guidelines.

If any portions of Kenyon’s established Sexual Misconduct and Harassment policy and/or process need to be changed, the campus community will be informed, and the College’s Office for Civil Rights will provide opportunities for the campus community to share their thoughts, ask questions and discuss changes with its staff.  

Any student or employee with questions about sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, support options, or the proposed federal regulations is encouraged to contact Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator Samantha Hughes (hughess@kenyon.edu) or Civil Rights and Title IX Deputy Coordinator Kevin Peterson (peterson2@kenyon.edu). Confidential resources include licensed counselors, clergy members, medical staff, and New Directions Domestic Abuse Shelter and Rape Crisis Center. More resources and supports are listed on the Office for Civil Rights’ website.

Reports of sexual harassment and intimate partner violence can be made anonymously (do NOT include your name) or transparently (by including your name) through the College’s online anonymous reporting tool.  

Sincerely,

Samantha Hughes
Civil Rights/Title IX Coordinator