With the news that Betsy DeVos is moving forward with her disastrous decision to revamp Title IX, aka the Education Amendments Act that guarantees equal treatment to men and women in school, it's crucial now more than ever that organizations supporting sexual assault survivors and victims of sexual harassment on college campuses receive our support. During an event at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, the Education Secretary stated that the Trump Administration would "roll back" aspects of Title IX, a terrifying prospect.
It's easy to feel hopeless in the face of news like this — but now is the time to continue to resist, and support organizations that are doing work to protect the people who are affected by the loss of acts like Title IX. These organizations range from RAINN, which provides supports survivors of campus sexual assault, to End Rape On Campus and Safe Horizon.
Check out these list of charities and organizations below, and consider sending over a single donation, volunteering, or setting up a monthly donation to support the work they're doing. Even if it's just spreading the word about the existence of these organizations — everything helps. During times like this, it's important we stick together, resist together, and support together.
Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network
RAINN is one of the leading organizations providing support for survivors of campus sexual assault. They run the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline, which you can call at (800) 656-HOPE (4673) to receive counseling from trained staff members and “local resources that can assist with your next steps toward healing and recovery.”
Date Safe Project
Date Safe is an initiative that aims to provide education and about affirmative consent, with the intention of “building a culture of consent and respect.” You can become a college ambassador for the program in the wake of Betsy Devos’ rolling back Title IX protections.
Safe Horizon
Safe Horizon is an organization that focuses on providing support to survivors of sexual assault, as well as survivors of domestic violence or stalking. They even have a tool for undocumented survivors, making it a very necessary service in light of the government’s actions.
End Rape On Campus
End Rape On Campus is an organization that works towards a world free of sexual assault. If you need support in the aftermath of this decision, you can contact them for emotional support as well as legal counsel if you or a friend has experienced sexual assault.
More coming...
With additional reporting by Melanie Mignucci