Dear Barnard community members,
Though fall 2020 may seem a long way away, I have important news to share regarding upcoming mandated changes to Barnard’s Title IX policies which will be in effect by then.
In the fall of 2018, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) received over 120,000 comments regarding the issuance of their proposed regulations amending Title IX processes on campuses receiving federal funding; feedback included a letter signed by Barnard submitted on behalf of twenty-four private liberal arts colleges and universities. Barnard was also included in a letter submitted by the American Council on Education, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. This feedback contributed to over a year and a half long review of the proposed regulations by OCR.
On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, OCR announced the finalized new Title IX regulations that govern how colleges and universities investigate and adjudicate allegations of sex discrimination on campus. Currently, the College is thoroughly reviewing these new rules, which include over two-thousand pages of introductory and explanatory narrative. At this time, changes to our current Title IX policies will need to be implemented in accordance with the new regulations effective August 14, 2020. We will be monitoring any changes to the regulations based on potential litigation that may emerge, as well as additional guidance from the Department of Education. Updates on this will be shared with the Barnard community in due course.
While changes to our Title IX policies are forthcoming, we want to assure you that the College will remain committed to supporting all members of the Barnard community and providing a fair and effective process in response to reports of sexual harassment. As always, we will respond promptly and thoroughly to reports of sex discrimination, including sexual assault.
For any questions or for continued support, I encourage you to reach out to me at mcamacho@barnard.edu. Please know that Barnard’s Office of Title IX & Equity will remain available to you year-round, even as we continue on remotely.
Stay healthy and safe, everyone.
Warmest regards,
Madeline Camacho
Interim Title IX Coordinator and
Associate Director of Community Standards & Investigations