Dingell Seeks To Force More Title IX Responsibility

DEARBORN, MI — U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell introduced legislation on Tuesday that would hold education institutions accountable for any mishandling of sexual assault reports and failing to prevent further assaults.

The new bill, called The Title IX Take Responsibility Act seeks to hold educational institutions liable under law for sex discrimination if they fail to properly address a sexual harassment case, according to a Dingell news release.

And not just a reported case, but also rumors of sexual assault.

"Even if charges aren’t filed after an assault, that doesn’t mean they aren’t happening," Dingell said. "As rumors spread across schools and their communities and people are discussing possible assaults, we need school administrations and faculty to keep their ear to the ground and strongly address potential threats to students to finally change the culture of treating this as a taboo subject."

The new bill, which Dingell co-sponsored with Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes from Connecticut, would also give any person the right to sue the institution if it fails to adhere to these new standards.

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Dingell's announcement of the bill comes as several Michigan institutions have been targeted for failing to properly address reports of sexual assault and harassment on-campus.

As hundreds of people have come forth as victims of sexual assault from former University of Michigan football team doctor Robert Anderson, a report by the university showcased that school administrators knew about Anderson's sexual assaults on university athletes and students and failed to act.

Eastern Michigan is also facing 29 lawsuits for failing to properly address reports of sexual assault and harassment.