We, Graduate Students United (GSU) at the University of Chicago, stand in opposition to the Title IX amendments proposed by Betsy DeVos, reaffirm our support for survivors of identity-based violence and discrimination. We stand united in solidarity with graduate workers, their unions, and their advocates across the United States as they speak out against these amendments.
DeVos’s proposed amendments bolster the rights of students accused of assault, harassment or rape by; raising the evidentiary standard for sexual misconduct in addition to narrowing the definition of assault; making appeals more difficult; and by de-incentivizing schools to take meaningful actions to support survivors.
We demand that the University of Chicago expand the Title IX resources already available to students by increasing funding for this office. Furthermore we demand that the University advocate for other institutions to follow suit. Upholding the current Title IX procedures is the bare minimum to ensuring the safety of our campus communities.
Graduate Students United will continue to advocate for safer workplaces, in which workers have adequate, trauma-informed recourse for cases of sexual misconduct, identity-based violence, and discrimination. Upholding President Obama’s 2011 “Dear Colleague Letter” addressing Title IX recommendations is the bare minimum for ensuring the safety of workers at the University of Chicago.
GSU urges supporters, alumni, and current members with legal expertise to submit comments on the DeVos amendments.
UChicago Graduate Students United - United Electrical Workers 