In response to new federal rules, U.S. colleges are lowering the burden of proof in cases of alleged sexual harassment and assault. College Fix contributor Amelia Evrigenis, a sophomore at Claremont Mckenna College, wonders why her school is reluctant to discuss its new sexual harassment policies:
The preponderance standard is met if, evidence considered, it appears more likely than not (a greater than 50% probability) that the sexual violence occurred. The letter explicitly rejects the “clear and convincing” standard, a higher burden of proof previously used by CMC and many other post-secondary institutions. . . .
CMC students deserve immediate notification of this policy and an explanation of its implications. They deserve warning that a fraudulent accusation has greater potential to result in conviction, smearing their reputations and destroying their careers.
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