New U.S. sexual misconduct rules bolster rights of accused, protect colleges

WASHINGTON – Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is preparing new policies on campus sexual misconduct that would bolster the rights of students accused of assault, harassment or rape, lessen liability for institutions of higher education and encourage schools to provide more support for victims.

The proposed rules, obtained by the New York Times, narrow the definition of sexual harassment, holding schools accountable only for formal complaints filed through proper authorities and for conduct said to have occurred on their campuses. They would also establish a higher legal standard to determine whether schools improperly addressed complaints.

http://www.startribune.com/new-u-s-sexual-misconduct-rules-bolster-rights-of-accused-protect-colleges/492025041/