'Dear colleague letter' rescinded Secretary of Education announces changes to Title IX, Pierce community supports its students

After the rescission of Title IX, Pierce College is taking steps to educate and strengthen the campus community to protect faculty and students from violent crimes.

On Sept. 22, United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced plans to rescind aspects of Title IX. Specifically, the Obama administration’s “dear colleague letter,” which were guidelines on procedures should an act of sexual harassment or assault occur under school jurisdiction.

According to Genice SarcedoMagruder, the dean of student services and equity, the rescission of Title IX doesn't mean that the policies are going away.

“Until they change a law, this is just guidance,” SarcedoMagruder said. “We are going to continue with our policy procedures as we have them now.” going to be addressed,” SarcedoMagruder said. “At Pierce, across the district, and across the state, there is an intention to continue to address Title IX issues the same way that we have been, rather than following guidance.”

However, Sarcedo-Magruder said that rescinding Title IX is a disservice to students.

Sarcedo-Magruder has worked in education and violence prevention, and has investigated Title IX issues.

“It makes me very happy to live in California because there are state laws that we still have to follow that are some of the things she is rescinding,” SarcedoMagruder said. “In California, we have an affirmative consent policy. So even if the federal government takes that away, it is something that we still have to have in California.”

According to the Pierce website, Title IX requires colleges that receive federal funding to implement policies that combat gender-based violence and harassment and respond to survivors’ needs, ensuring that students have equal access to education.

Director of the Student Health Center Beth Benne said that the implementation of Title IX changed the culture.

“It teaches about affirmative consent, bystander intervention, bystander awareness. It's teaching people how to be proactive and help their friends and strangers that may be getting into a difficult situation,” Benne said.

Sarcedo-Magruder said Pierce College is prepared to address and handle Title IX issues when they arise. She said punishments can vary depending on the severity of incidents.