On April 13th, Skidmore’s Student Life Committee was invited to Wellspring’s grounds for a tour and conversation with the Executive Director, Maggie Fronk, about the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct (SGBM) resources that they offer to Skidmore students and the larger Saratoga community. Wellspring, located a 15 minute drive away from Skidmore’s campus in Malta, NY, offers free and confidential services to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Given the prominence of conversations on campus surrounding the College’s SGBM and Title IX policies since last semester’s student walkout, the Student Life Committee’s visit to Wellspring was an opportunity to gather more information about the external resources available to Skidmore students. Fronk shared that this recent visit was one of the best conversations that she has had with students in a long time, marking the resurgence of partnership and trust between Skidmore students and Wellspring.
Read moreWhat Should Title IX Be?
Over time, the definition of Title IX has broadened to include protections for victims of sexual harassment and sexual violence. Schools are legally required to respond and remedy “hostile education environments'' or risk losing their federal funding. By this definition, it is a school’s legal duty to protect those whose education is inhibited by sexual and gender based misconduct. They must protect survivors. So why isn’t Skidmore?
Read moreThe Case for Compassion: A Commentary on Students’ Reactions to SGBM
The more we stick to love and compassion, the stronger we are. If the Skidmore administration shows us that they will continue to be apathetic and “objective,” we will be the space for empathy and support. History has shown that the people are more powerful than authoritative institutions. The people have the power to create and destroy, to mold and reshape. We can’t do that without love, kindness, and respect.
Read moreSkidmore Reviews Latest Reforms to National Title IX Regulations
On May 6th, 2020, the Department of Education led by Betsy DeVos, sent out their long awaited proposal for new changes to the Title IX regulations in schools. This marked the first time the policy has been changed since 1975, creating a historic shift for the set of regulations originally implemented to protect students’ wellbeing. While some notice that the changes are less broad than they have been, others are citing that they are less comprehensive and could bring more lee-way to sexual assault cases. Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Lorri Riggs, and Title IX Deputy Coordinator in Student Affairs, Gabriella Melillo, held virtual information sessions detailing the new policy changes and how Skidmore will act on them.
Read moreFederal Title IX Review Warrants Serious Concern
The Department of Education is reviewing Title IX standards for sexual assault cases. Given President Trump’s history of sexual assault, coupled with Betsy DeVos’ legislative inexperience and naiveté, this is a call for alarm.
Read moreResponse to “Sexual and Gender Misconduct Policy Leaves the Community Vulnerable”
In contrast with Jared Schwartz’s response, Jones provides her take on last week’s article, “Sexual Misconduct Policy Leaves the Community Vulnerable,” in which she closely examines the data concerning sexual assault and Skidmore’s standards surrounding the issue.
Read moreThe Rational Argument Against Annotating Student Academic Records
A response to last week’s article, “Sexual Misconduct Policy Leaves the Community Vulnerable,” in which Schwartz attempts to modify and refine the argument formerly presented.
Read moreJoel Aure: A Title IX Coordinator We Can Believe In
Tucked away in his Palamountain office, is Joel Aure—the new Title IX Coordinator of Skidmore College. After his experiences as the Chief Diversity Officer, Affirmative Action Officer, and the Title IX Coordinator at Purchase College, Aure is ready to make an impact upon the Skidmore community.
Read moreSexual Misconduct Policy Leaves the Community Vulnerable
With fortified protections written at the behest of Federal demands for compliance, has come significant concern for due process in Title IX policy and its enforcement.
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