DE SR18

Creates a nonpartisan Title IX Task Force to interpret Title IX regulations and their effects when public higher education institutions in Delaware seek to eliminate varsity athletic programs.

Task force composition includes 9 members: a retired judge, representatives from the three public higher education institutions, a Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association representative, a public school representative, and at-large representatives from each county, all appointed by the Governor.

Task force shall establish its own rules and processes for conducting public hearings and shall report annually to the Department of Education.

Governor designates one task force member to serve as chair and call the first meeting; the task force continues until the Legislature deems it unnecessary.

Responds to history of varsity program eliminations at Delaware universities (University of Delaware's wrestling program in 1991, men's cross country and track in 2011, and Delaware State University women's equestrian team in 2010) by requiring independent review before future program cuts.