Federal Laws - The University of Tulsa
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Federal Laws

Below you will find information and links on various policies and laws in place that impact sexual violence response on university campuses.

Title IX, Education Amendments,1972

Title IX is a landmark federal civil right that was made into law in 1972 which prohibits sex discrimination in education. Since then, a number of other laws and policies have been put into place that impact the rights of survivors of sexual violence, the requirements of Universities in responding to reports of sexual violence, and the procedures and consequences for the perpetrators of these acts.

The Clery Act, 1990

The Jeanne Clery Act is a federal statute requiring colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information. The U.S. Department of Education conducts reviews to evaluate an institution’s compliance with the Clery Act requirements. Initially called the “Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act” and later renamed in memory of slain student Jeanne Clery.

Violence Against Women Act, 1994

Established federal legal definitions of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Made funding grants for reducing these crimes available to higher education institutions.

Dear Colleague Letter, 2011

Noting that sexual assault had become an epidemic on college campuses, the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recommended that “all schools implement preventive education programs” as part of their orientation programs for new students, faculty, and staff. The programs should include a discussion of what constitutes sexual harassment and sexual violence, the school’s policies and disciplinary procedures, and the consequences of violating these policies.

The Campus Save Act, 2013

The Campus Save Act amended the Clery Act to mandate extensive “primary prevention and awareness programs” regarding sexual misconduct and related offenses. Schools must educate students, faculty, and staff on the prevention of rape, acquaintance rape, relationship abuse, sexual assault, and stalking.