WASHINGTON (AP) — The recent dismantling of the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has sparked concern as its once-vigorous role in addressing sexual violence in schools dwindles dramatically. Previously, the OCR was recognized for its enforcement of civil rights laws, particularly in cases concerning sexual assault complaints at educational institutions.
Critics are alarmed that the agency, after experiencing significant layoffs under President Donald Trump's administration, now struggles to address the nearly 25,000 complaints it has accumulated. The number of new investigations into sexual violence has plummeted significantly, with fewer than ten cases opened since March, an alarming contrast to the numerous cases previously managed annually.
As education officials grapple with the lingering repercussions of these cuts, the OCR has shifted its focus to Title IX enforcement concerning transgender students and athletes, leading to nearly 50 investigations in this area since Trump's return to office. Such prioritization has drawn ire from those advocating for broader protections against sexual violence in schools.
“It almost feels like you're up against the void,” remarked Katie McKay, an attorney for victim advocates. “How are we supposed to hold a school accountable once it has messed up?”
With investigations stalled and many law firms halting their filings of Title IX complaints, individuals in need of redress for sexual violence find themselves with insufficient pathways to seek justice. Lacking a strong federal enforcement agency puts students, especially victims, in precarious positions.
An OCR spokesperson attributed the backlog to the Democratic administration’s overhaul of Title IX rules, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining safety and dignity for students. Nonetheless, surging complaints against educational institutions highlight the significant challenges victims face.
As investigations into sexual violence decline, local concerns have risen around the OCR's prioritization. While previous years saw substantial outcomes for victims—such as requiring schools to implement corrective measures in serious cases—the current trend veers toward stagnation and withdrawal from protecting student rights.
Advocates warn that regression of civil rights protections could set the stage for a dangerous precedent in which student complaints about sexual misconduct are deprioritized in favor of differing agendas in education policy.
With the trajectory of OCR's current strategies in question, voices of support for survivors are urging immediate action and systemic change to restore effective oversight for civil rights in education.
