Betsy DeVos, Title IX, and a Whirlwind Week in Washington
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News / Getty Images
This week, Betsy DeVos announced her intention to open a process that will lead to changed regulations for publicly-funded campuses responding to sexual assault allegations under Title IX. We discuss this announcement, a variety of social media hot topics, and Sarah's trip to Washington D.C.
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The Pearls
We briefly review the history of Title IX (also named the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act) before discussing Betsy DeVos's announcement that she'll be reviewing and replacing the Obama administration's guidance on campus sexual assault. We talk about the difficulty of grappling with both the criminal and non-criminal aspects of harassment, the impact public discussion has on victims, and the damage that occurs when accusations are proven to be false.
We also talk about some of the topics making the social media rounds:
We don't all need to issue an opinion on Hillary Clinton's book.
It would be great for us to stop blaming weather events on people with whom we disagree. It would also be great to approach climate change discussions through the prism of problem-solving.
The President made a deal with "Chuck and Nancy." Beth wishes we could talk about this without pretending that he has finally pivoted. Sarah hopes he might turn the corner because he loves the positive coverage.
We think it's bananas that anyone describes Colin Kaepernick as "bad for business." This conversation reminds us of an excellent editorial about how there's no perfect protest.
To compliment the other side, Beth compliments Senator Dick Durbin for his persistent work on immigration. Sarah compliments the Kentucky Republican legislative delegation.
The Suit
Sarah joined 43 officials and citizens of Paducah, KY, in Washington D.C. for a whirlwind visit. We discuss:
Her experience of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Her discussion with Senator Rand Paul regarding American military action in Yemen
Representative John Yarmuth's commitment to collegiality
Her experience of lobbying Secretaries Elaine Chao and Rick Perry
Listening to (health care hero) Atul Gwande discuss the opioid crisis
The Heels
Beth talks about learning from her children that we are all too busy. Sarah discusses her continued house-hunting.