Clarification: A previous version of this article used incorrect terminology in relation to responsibility for a sexual assault as determined by a higher ed institution under Title IX. The rules of that law require only a "preponderance of evidence" for burden of proof in an investigation, as opposed to the much higher burden of proving "beyond a reasonable doubt" commonly used in criminal cases to determine guilt.
Dive Brief:
- Interest is growing in using transcripts to note dismissal or expulsion after a student has been found responsible for a sexual assault based on a preponderance of evidence.
- Virginia and New York require all colleges in the state to add a note to the transcripts of such students, and the Southeastern Conference now prohibits member colleges from accepting transfer athletes with such histories, providing them financial aid, or allowing them to play in any SEC games.
- Critics include those defending victims of sexual assault because the high stakes of transcript notations will necessarily turn campus disciplinary proceedings into full-fledged trials.
Dive Insight:
The idea of noting a history of sexual assault on college transcripts is one of many that have been suggested to combat the high incidence of such violence on campuses across the country. Many colleges have been accused of preferencing their sports programs over the safety of female students, turning blind eyes to the behavior of some male athletes. The SEC in June became the first athletic conference to take a united stand against allowing students with such histories to find a home on the courts or in the fields of college athletics. Continued publicity of cases in which alleged victims lie about assaults makes the job of administrators considering blanket policies a tricky one.