AAUW Applauds Updated Title IX Rules from U.S. Department of Education
Rules increase protection for student survivors of sexual harassment and assault; ensure equal education opportunities for pregnant, parenting, and LGBTQ+ students.
WASHINGTON — AAUW today applauded updated Title IX rules from the U.S. Department of Education which restore critical civil rights for students.
The rules increase protection for student survivors of sexual harassment and assault. The rules will also ensure equal education opportunities for pregnant, parenting, and LGBTQ+ students.
“The updated rules are lifechanging for college women, in particular,” said Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO of AAUW (American Association of University Women). AAUW research revealed two-thirds of college students experience sexual harassment. Research also shows pregnant and parenting students are often steered toward separate, less rigorous schools.
Sexual assault and harassment invading academic spaces contribute to women, parenting, and LGBTQ+ students being pushed out. “It’s a major reason why women make up only 34% of STEM professions,” said Blackwell.
AAUW directly supports women pursuing graduate education with its Fellowship & Grants program. Since 1888, the program has provided more than $140 million to women pursuing higher education, making it one of the largest non-institutional supporters of graduate women.
“Sex-based discrimination has no place in education,” said Blackwell. “Women students deserve to have harassment-free and retaliation-free education when they decide to report abuse.”
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AAUW (American Association of University Women) is the nation’s leading organization for equity in higher education and women’s economic empowerment.
Founded in 1881 by women who defied society’s conventions by earning college degrees, AAUW has since worked to increase women’s access, opportunity, and equity in higher education through research, advocacy, and philanthropy of over $140 million, supporting thousands of women scholars. Learn more at aauw.org.