Women-Church Convergence, a coalition of 30 Roman Catholic rooted feminist organizations, holds that no individual, female, male or transgender should be forced or coerced into unwanted sexual activity. A person who is drugged or drunk is not able to give consent. Diluting the Title IX regulations on reporting rape, increases the risk that vulnerable students will become the prey of sexual predators.

Title IX is a landmark legislation for women and transgender individuals insuring equal opportunity to education and freedom from discrimination. It reads, “The sexual harassment of students, including sexual violence, interferes with students’ right to receive an education free from discrimination and, in the case of sexual violence, is a crime.”

On September 22, 2017, the US Department of Education, rescinded parts of Title IX regarding the proof needed in campus sexual assault investigations.
“There are no two sides when it comes to rape,” states Nita Chaudhary, the cofounder of Ultra Violet.Weakening the guidelines is a step back to a time when students did not feel safe on their own campuses.

Women-Church Convergence strongly urges that the Department of Education strengthen and clarify the existing rules of Title IX pertaining to sexual attack.

8th Day Center for Justice – Women in Church and Society Committee

A Critical Mass: Women Celebrating Eucharist

Chicago Women-Church

Loretto Women’s Network

Louisville Women Church

Mary’s Pence

RCWP Social Action Network

San Francisco Bay Area Women Church

South Eastern Pennsylvania Women’s Ordination Conference

Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER)