New rules on sexual misconduct could affect Minnesota K-12 schools

A proposed overhaul of how educational institutions handle sexual misconduct allegations could have a big impact on Minnesota's K-12 schools.

New rules proposed in November by U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos would limit the range of allegations that schools are required to investigate and provide more specific directions about how each case should be handled. Supporters of the proposal, which is open for public comment through Jan. 28, say it provides needed balance between the rights of alleged victims and those of the accused. Opponents, including groups representing sexual assault survivors and Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius, say the changes would make it harder for victims to come forward about their experiences and easier for schools to sidestep their allegations.

http://www.startribune.com/new-rules-on-sexual-misconduct-could-impact-minnesota-k-12-schools/503773022/