Thread by @TheFIREorg

Advocates for free speech and due process on campus won one of their *biggest-ever* victories today with the finalization of long-awaited new @usedgov Title IX regulations.

thefire.org/breaking-educa…

@usedgov The regulations guarantee critical due process protections that Americans recognize as essential to securing justice, but that have for too long been denied to students accused of sexual misconduct on college campuses.

@usedgov Among the procedural protections guaranteed are:

* An express presumption of innocence

* Live hearings with cross-examination conducted by an advisor of choice, who may be an attorney

* Sufficient time and information to prepare for interviews and a hearing

...

@usedgov ...

* Impartial investigators and decision-makers

* A requirement that all relevant evidence receive an objective evaluation.

The regulations also affirm institutions’ ability to use the “clear and convincing” standard of evidence.

@usedgov Finally, the regulations define “sexual harassment” as it was defined by the Supreme Court in 1999.

This definition provides a clear path for institutions to respond to allegations of misconduct while also protecting students’ expressive rights.

thefire.org/first-amendmen…

@usedgov These binding regulations are scheduled to take effect on August 14, 2020.

@usedgov “Today, we won an important victory," said FIRE Executive Director Robert Shibley.

"But our work is not over. We will continue to fight to ensure that students are afforded the rights now guaranteed to them when they return to campus this fall.”

thefire.org/breaking-educa…