Statement from Chancellor Betty A. Rosa and Commissioner MaryEllen Elia on Potential USDE Changes to Protections for Sexual Assault Victims

“Once again, the Trump Administration is reducing protections for the vulnerable, this time, turning its back on victims of sexual assault. The Board of Regents and State Education Department reject any changes by the U.S. Department of Education on sexual misconduct on college and university campuses.  This is the latest in a line of misguided and ill-conceived proposals by USDE.

“We have seen the rights of transgender students ignored, colleges and universities discouraged from pursuing racial diversity, and crucial protections for the most underserved K-12 students eliminated. This attack on the victims of sexual misconduct and assault is the latest degradation of protections by this administration.

“New York has one of the strongest laws in the nation protecting students from sexual assault. We will continue to underscore the importance of standing by our students and defending their rights.”