Lampitt: DeVos Revised Rules on Campus Sexual Assault is a Step Backwards

(TRENTON) – Viewing them as a step backwards in the movement to protect and support sexual assault victims, Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Burlington, Camden), chair of the Assembly Education Committee, released the following statement Friday in response to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ revised rules regarding sexual assault cases on college campuses:

            “At a time when we as a nation have taken tremendous strides in empowering victims of sexual assault to come forward and seek justice, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has continued to pursue policy that protects perpetrators of sexual assault and suppresses the voices of victims.

            “Today’s new regulation proposed by the U.S. Department of Education governing sexual harassment and assault allegations on campus prioritize protecting the accused over survivors, and reverse the progress we have made in supporting victims. Here in New Jersey, we have fought to protect our children from sexual predators in their schools, and we will continue to fight for survivors and their rights.”