I’ve written about Title IX repeatedly, about how it discriminates against men and hurts all students. Too often, colleges side with the “victim” because sexual assault is taken so seriously — as it should be. But the very real problem of “crying wolf” has done a real disservice to other female, and male, victims.
One branch of the NAACP in Missouri is saying “no more.” Recently, the St. Louis County NAACP announced that it would back a bill presented by Republican Rep. Dean Dohrman that would alter how colleges and universities handle sexual assault complaints.
STL Today has the details:
St. Louis County NAACP President John Gaskin III in a statement praised a House bill that supporters say is aimed at making procedures for handling Title IX complaints more fair for the accused. Title IX is a federal law that bans sex-based discrimination in education, including sexual harassment and rape.
“The denial of due process at Missouri’s colleges disproportionately impacts African American men,” Gaskin said, “And that’s why we call for immediate due process reforms.”
Universities and victims-rights advocates have criticized the legislation, saying it could dissuade victims from coming forward.
The bill would:
- guarantee those involved in complaints the right to an attorney at their own expense and the right to cross-examine witnesses
require colleges “refrain from using the term ‘survivor’ or any other term that presumes guilt” before a verdict is rendered
Sounds reasonable, right? Kudos to the St. Louis County NAACP for thinking clearly on this issue and having the guts to stand up for what is right.
Hat Tip: STL Today
Image Credit: Washington Area Spark on Flickr