By Sean Copeland

Universities across the state say they will be “reviewing” their policies on sexual assault and misconduct as a result of the new guidelines instituted by the Trump Administration’s Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Up until last month, the universities were responsible for the investigations and punishments utilized in campus sexual assaults or sexual misconduct complaints.

DeVos has since rolled back on this decision of letting schools lead the charge in punishments for assault and misconduct cases. Illinois universities say they’re reviewing their policies, though some don’t expect many changes overall.

“I don’t know Betsy DeVos, I’ve never spoken with Betsy DeVos… I would hope that her and the Department of Education are concerned about making sure that there’s a fair adjudication process for anyone accused. But also at the same time not putting a victim, in a situation where they are having to worry about whether or not they are going to have that case adjudicated,” Central Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis (R) said.

Davis is also watching the changes closely. Davis has a daughter who currently attends ISU, and says the issues of sexual assault and misconduct on college campuses is very real to him.

“I don’t want my daughter or anybody’s daughter or anybody’s son, to have to go through a situation of being sexually assaulted. That’s why we have to make sure we’re on the same page,” said Davis.

Sean Copeland can be reached at [email protected].