On August 22, 2017, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) released their first joint report on sexual misconduct in independent schools. The report can be found on the groups’ websites.1 It is a “call to action” for schools: “We ask the leaders of independent schools and their colleagues to study these recommendations in depth and apply them to assess the efficacy of their own institution’s preparation for and response to incidents of educator sexual misconduct.” Many independent schools may look to this guidance as a road map on how to keep their campuses free from abuse and harassment. Schools may want to consult an attorney before implementing new policies on employee misconduct and assault prevention and response.
Articles Discussing The Workplace In The Education Industry.
Education Department Signals Possible Changes to Sexual Misconduct Dear Colleague Letter
The Department of Education Office for Civil Rights has suggested that it is considering significant changes to or rescission of the April 4, 2011, Dear Colleague Letter on schools’ obligations to respond to sexual misconduct (“2011 DCL”).
New Sexual Violence Prevention Education Policy Adopted by National Collegiate Athletic Association
Coaches, athletics administrators, and student-athletes must be educated in sexual violence prevention under a policy adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Board of Governors on August 8, 2017.
What to Expect under Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos
After an unusually contentious Senate confirmation process, Betsy DeVos was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Education on February 7, 2017.
Increasing Ransomware Attacks in Higher Education
Malicious “ransomware” attacks — where a hacker takes control of the victim’s information systems and encrypts data, preventing the owner from accessing it until the victim pays a sum of money — are on the rise against colleges and universities. Higher education institutions are well-advised to increase their efforts to defend against this particularly damaging form of hacking.
White House Addresses Sexual Misconduct in K-12 Schools
A new notice and resource materials from the White House remind K-12 schools of their obligations to prevent and address sexual misconduct under Title IX of the Education Act of 1972. Like colleges and universities, K-12 school districts have a legal obligation under Title IX to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct.