International Ombudsman Association Comments on Proposed Title IX Changes

IOA has joined thousands of other individuals and organizations objecting to the Department of Education's proposed new regulations to Title IX. The changes would fundamentally change the processes currently in place at most schools that receive federal funding, from kindergarten through graduate schools. IOA's comment was aimed at protecting the role of Organizational Ombuds in colleges and university.

Here's an outline of the IOA statement:

Why Add the Organizational Ombuds to the Title IX Regulations?

• The negative effects of sexual harassment on individuals are well documented
• Sexual harassment is underreported
• Organizational ombuds are prepared and well situated to surface unreported sexual
• harassment so options for addressing it can be discussed
• Organizational ombuds function to keep the system true to its commitments and work with leadership to help ensure they work as intended

Summary of Comments to Proposed Rule

"Organizational ombuds serve the goals of Congress, and the U.S. Department of Education as described in the Proposed Rule, and should therefore be specifically included as a confidential resource."

The memo offers specific language for changes to the Code of Federal Regulations  (§34 CFR 106.44) to protect the work of Ombuds. It was signed by IOA President, Marcia Martinez-Helfman. (IOA News & Press Releases.)

Related posts: Harvard Law Case Study Focuses on Ombuds and the 'Dear Colleague Letter'; IOA Takes a Stand on Title IX Issues; Watch Senator Question White House Title IX Expert on Role of Campus Ombuds; IOA Releases Memo Providing Legal Grounds for Ombuds Confidentiality in Title IX Matters; U.S. Department of Education Suggests University Ombuds Should Report Crime Statistics; IOA Pushes Back on Department of Education's Stance on Clery Act; IOA Compiles Title IX Resources; IOA Surveys Higher Education Ombuds Confidentiality for Clery Act & Title IX Matters; U.S. Department of Education Suggests Mediation an Option for Title IX Complaints; IOA Defends United Nations Ombuds After Report of Complicity in Sexual Harassment Claims; IOA Posts First Press Release.