STATEMENT: It’s On Us Executive Director Responds to Trump Administration’s Move to Dismantle the Department of Education

Leading Campus Sexual Assault Prevention Organization Responds to the Far-Reaching Impact of Executive Order on Students, Employees and Schools

Washington, DC: Today, following President Trump’s executive order dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, It’s On Us Executive Director Tracey Vitchers spoke out on the wide-reaching impact the executive order will have on student survivors and campus sexual assault prevention. For years, students have navigated continuous delays and changes to Title IX. Today’s announcement will not only endanger the enforcement of Title IX, but it will also harm many other resources used to support student survivors and prevent campus sexual assault from occurring in the first place, including the Clery Act and Campus SaVE Act. 

Through all of these national changes and navigating the future without the Department of Education, It’s On Us remains committed to students, survivors and school communities, and will continue to keep students updated on the resources and supports available. In response to today’s executive order, It’s On Us Executive Director Tracey Vitchers said: 

“One in four students on our college campuses will experience campus sexual assault, and as the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to prevention, It’s On Us is committed to ensuring students have a right to an education free from harm. The Department of Education plays a critical role in enforcing the laws that require colleges and universities to prevent sexual violence and support student survivors when it occurs. Today’s executive order directing the Secretary of Education to take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and shift authority to the states will cause immeasurable, immediate harm to the millions of children and young adults enrolled in our nation’s schools. 

“Combined with the recent cuts to the Department of Education’s staff, the executive order demonstrates a clear disregard for student safety, putting the Office for Civil Rights’ ability to enforce critical civil rights laws, including Title IX, in jeopardy. Students deserve to know how their civil rights will be protected by the federal government. It’s On Us calls on the administration to immediately share their plans for enforcement of Title IX and other fundamental civil rights protections for our nation’s students. 

“It’s On Us is grateful to the dedicated civil servants who have worked tirelessly for years at the Department of Education to ensure our schools are safe learning spaces for all students. We remain committed to supporting our students and partners in higher education as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead.” 

Press interested in speaking with Tracey Vitchers should contact press@civicnation.org.