“As the representative from Michigan’s 8th Congressional District — the district that includes Michigan State University in East Lansing — I have profound concerns over how this rule would impact victims of sexual assault and harassment on college campuses,” Slotkin said in the letter. “Under the proposed rule, MSU would likely not have been required to take action to protect the survivors of the Larry Nassar scandal. This is inexcusable.

“All Michiganders have seen the devastating effects of MSU’s failure to implement consistent and transparent processes for investigating accusations of sexual harassment and assault."

The proposed changes would also give more protection to college students accused of sexual assault, as previously reported by The State News.

Slotkin went on to say Title IX has a “simple premise.”

"An educational institution that fails to respond adequately to instances of sexual assault and harassment can be found guilty of Title IX sex discrimination," Slotkin said. "This response must include redress for victims of sexual assault and harassment and consequences for the perpetrators of such acts.”

Her opposition to the secretary’s proposed rule changes extend to the treatment of survivors as well.

The Title IX “processes must foster a culture in which survivors are empowered to come forward and continue their education in a safe environment," Slotkin said. "I believe the Department of Education’s rule fails to live up to these standards and will be a detriment to survivors, students at-large and the academic institutions they attend.” 

Read the entire letter below.