Democratic Women’s Caucus blasts Trump over Title IX rollback after Cornell rape allegations

By Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill

Washington, September 30, 2026

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The Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) criticized the Trump administration over its rollback of Title IX protections and expressed support for Jane Doe, who accused seven men of raping her over several hours at the Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell University.

The caucus chair, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), along with the vice chairs, Reps. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio) and Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), said in a joint statement Wednesday that “what happened on the Cornell University campus is disgusting and vile.”

“Her story should be a wake-up call Republicans cannot ignore: we need stronger protections and systems for survivors, and we need to act now. We have an obligation to not only hold perpetrators accountable, but to make sure women and girls always have the resources they need to seek justice,” they wrote.

They pointed to the Education Department’s decision to rescind the Biden-era Title IX interpretation that gave sex-based discrimination protections to students on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity earlier this week. Critics have said it would only weaken protections for sexual assault victims.

The Biden-era Title IX rule was already struck down in the court system after challenges from Republican states. 

“If Republicans cared about the safety of women they would not only restore Title IX, but expand and strengthen protections. The DWC has repeatedly blasted Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Republicans in Congress for their attacks on Title IX and has fought for the expansion of protections for student survivors,” they wrote.

Leger Fernández is leading an effort with Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.), the chair of the Republican Women’s Caucus, to combat sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill.

“Our hearts break for Jane Doe at Cornell University as she navigates this case and tries to heal. We stand with you. This widespread culture of sexual violence must end. We are calling on the Trump administration and Republicans to condemn what took place at Cornell, stand in solidarity with Jane Doe, and work with us to better protect survivors and ensure they can seek justice. It is the least you can do,” the DWC leaders wrote.

Lexi Lonas Cochran contributed.