The U.S. Department of Education today issued interim guidance regarding how its Office for Civil Rights interprets schools’ and universities’ responsibilities to address sexual misconduct in accordance with Title IX. Yale is reviewing the new guidance, and looks forward to the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming rulemaking process. Based on our initial review, Yale’s current policies and practices, which were adopted after broad engagement of the university community, are largely consistent with the requirements set out in the new guidance. In particular, Yale has no plans to deviate from the evidentiary standards the university now applies to sexual misconduct cases. We will also continue to follow Connecticut law, which details how colleges and universities must respond to sexual misconduct and which mandates the preponderance of evidence standard for cases of sexual assault, stalking and intimate partner violence. As the Department’s rulemaking proceeds, we remain committed to policies that effectively address sexual misconduct and processes that are fair to all.
Stephanie S. Spangler, M.D.
Deputy Provost for Health Affairs and Academic Integrity
Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
University Title IX Coordinator