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MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Establishing a White House Task Force To Protect Students From Sexual Assault

President Obama established a White House Task Force co-chaired by the Office of the Vice President and the White House Council on Women and Girls to coordinate federal efforts addressing campus sexual assault. The Task Force must develop recommendations within 90 days and provide annual implementation reports, focusing on improving institutional compliance, transparency, and evidence-based prevention practices at colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 4385

Impact dates

  1. First annual report to President on implementation efforts

  2. Task Force to develop and submit proposals and recommendations to President

Key directives

  • Establish White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault
  • Task Force to develop coordinated federal response to campus rape and sexual assault
  • Task Force to consult with external stakeholders including institutions, students, parents, crisis centers, and law enforcement
  • Task Force to evaluate applicability of recommendations to elementary and secondary schools
  • Agency heads to assist and provide information to Task Force
  • Secretary of Education to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Task Force established with designated membership
  • Co-Chairs designated from Office of the Vice President and White House Council on Women and Girls

Near term (90d)

  • Task Force must submit proposals and recommendations to President on prevention practices, compliance measurement, enforcement transparency, and interagency coordination

Long term

  • Annual reports to President on implementation efforts
  • Potential extension of recommendations to elementary and secondary schools

Risks & tensions

  • Advisory-only functions limit direct enforcement power; recommendations are non-binding
  • Dependent on agency cooperation and existing legal authorities without new statutory grants
  • Subject to availability of appropriations may constrain implementation
  • Uneven institutional compliance noted as persistent problem; transparency provisions may create reputational risks for institutions
  • Extension to K-12 context adds complexity beyond original higher education focus
Presidential Memorandum: Establishing a White House Task Force To Protect Students From Sexual Assault · Executive Orders