5 Things to Know About Betsy DeVos, Barack Obama, and Campus Rape

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Betsy DeVos' September Announcement

Betsy DeVos testifies before the Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee confirmation hearing to be next Secretary of Education on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 17, 2017. | (Photo: Reuters/Yuri Gripas)

In Sept., Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced that the 2011 "Dear Colleague" standards were going to be rescinded partly over concerns of lacking due process for the accused.

The new standards allowed for the "clear and convincing evidence" standard to be used by colleges when processing sexual misconduct complaints.

"This interim guidance will help schools as they work to combat sexual misconduct and will treat all students fairly," stated Secretary DeVos last month.

"Schools must continue to confront these horrific crimes and behaviors head-on. There will be no more sweeping them under the rug. But the process also must be fair and impartial, giving everyone more confidence in its outcomes."

DeVos' announcement was met with support from some liberal groups and pundits, with one Slate piece arguing DeVos was right and the 2011 standards "deserved to die."