New Title IX Regulations Promote Endurance, Endless Trauma
The Department of Education announced major revisions to Title IX regulations earlier this year. These new revisions include changes that allow Title IX offices to conduct more thorough investigations by indefinitely increasing the length of investigations.
“Reliving the experience is actually really great for my mental health,” said student Sally Parkins, whose case has been open for 13 months. “I’m so thankful that I get to deal with the guy who raped me for an even longer time through this extended investigation.”
One of the changes to Title IX states that complaints no longer need to be resolved within 60 days. According to the university, this can extend the experience of the traumatic event for more than one to two semesters. However, students exhausted by the process retain the right to withdraw their complaint at any time during the prolonged proceedings.
“Getting to catch up with the guy who sexually assaulted me every week at our org’s meetings is truly the highlight of the week,” said student Kelly Smithson. “Once a resolution is finally reached, I think I will truly miss my talks with him where I get to remember how scared I was that night.”
This lengthened time allows for a more in-depth investigation to reach a better resolution. If an informal resolution isn’t pursued, then a live hearing may be conducted where the assailant is able to have their own friends cross-examine the victim. In a shift from the old regulations, victims must submit to live cross-examination from an advisor chosen by the respondent for their statement to be considered. Respondents are free to select a friend, family member, or attorney to conduct the adversarial cross-examination. In the case of matters such as sexual assault, an informal resolution is not allowed and a live hearing must take place.
“I am so thankful my frat brother picked me to cross-examine the girl he got lucky with,” Gamma Epsilon Tau member Chase Little said. “I know my brother and his idea of consent are highly questionable, but I believe he might have probably not done it. This is great experience for my law school apps.”
— Midnight Smell
From the depths of the steam tunnels, cartoonishly green scent waves begin to emanate. They wrap around the live oaks, the leaves turning brown and dropping dead with a faint wail. Wait, it looks like someone’s coming out of the tunnel… oh holy shit. It’s your freshman engineering lab partner, and he still hasn’t showered! You try to run, but it’s too late. The cartoon scent waves grab your ankles and drag you screaming into the steam tunnels. Midnight Smell has struck again.