Statement from the It’s On Us Executive Director on President Biden Signing the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Tracey Vitchers, Executive Director of It’s On Us, will attend the signing ceremony at the White House of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. Vitchers released the following statement on President Biden signing into law the bill to end forced arbitration for workers who are survivors of sexual assault and harassment, one of the most significant changes to employment law in years. 

“By signing The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act into law, President Biden has once again stood on the side of survivors who will no longer be forced into silence through arbitration clauses,” said Vitchers. 

“In 2019, the Trump administration reversed a ban prohibiting federal student loan dollars from being used at schools that had forced arbitration clauses in their enrollment contracts, resulting in higher education institutions quietly returning to the harmful practice of employing forced arbitration clauses. These clauses prevent student survivors from taking legal action if their institution harmed them through the investigation or adjudication of their sexual assault claims. With the signing of The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, student survivors will once again have more options available to them in their pursuit of justice and healing.” 

The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act would prohibit employers from forcing employees and workers to settle sexual misconduct claims in closed-door arbitration that often result in favor of perpetrators. The legislation will provide the opportunity for employees to file a suit in court with their own legal representation. The ban on forced arbitration would kick in immediately, and apply to previously resolved claims unless a case is pending.

ABOUT It’s On Us:  

It’s On Us was founded in September 2014 as an initiative of the Obama-Biden White House. The program launched following recommendations from the White House Task Force to Prevent Sexual Assault that noted the importance of calling everyone into the conversation on sexual assault prevention. Over the last six years, It’s On Us has grown into the nation’s largest nonprofit program dedicated to college sexual assault prevention and survivor support activating students on hundreds of campuses in our awareness and education programs. It’s On Us is housed at Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses organizing, engagement and public awareness to address some of our nation’s most pressing challenges.

ABOUT Civic Nation:

Civic Nation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit home for changemakers who inspire, educate, and activate people around the issues that will define this generation. Civic Nation empowers and educates individuals, companies, institutions and organizations to drive culture, systems, and policy change, working towards a more inclusive and equitable America. Seven initiatives are a part of the Civic Nation family: When We All Vote, United State of Women, ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, End Rape On Campus, It’s On Us, Made to Save and We The Action. Learn more here.

##