'The Hunting Ground' Filmmakers: Betsy DeVos Title IX Decision 'Should Scare the Hell' Out of Parents

“The Hunting Ground” filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering have slammed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ decision to rescind Obama-era policies on sexual assaults in schools, arguing that college campuses will become more dangerous.

“The DeVos proposal will set the struggle to end college sexual assault back at least a decade,” Ziering and Dick said in a statement to TheWrap. “We were on the ground on campuses for three years while making ‘The Hunting Ground,’ interviewed several hundred survivors, and we saw firsthand how Title IX made colleges safer. DeVos spent only one afternoon with survivors — proof of how little she cares.”

“Her proposal should scare the hell out of every parent in this country with a college-bound child — schools will become much more dangerous places for their children,” the duo warned.

Also Read: Meet the Oscar Nominee Who Got Stanford Rape Survivor's Story Out - and It's Not Lady Gaga

DeVos announced on Friday that her department has rescinded federal guidelines on how schools respond to allegations of assault — she has previously referred to individuals accused of assault not as suspected perpetrators but as “victims of a lack of due process.”

“The truth is that the system established by the prior administration has failed too many students,” DeVos said in a speech at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia, earlier this month. “Survivors, victims of a lack of due process and campus administrators have all told me that the current approach does a disservice to everyone involved.”

Also Read: 'The Hunting Ground' Wins Producers Guild's Stanley Kramer Award

The previous federal guidelines were outlined by the Obama administration in a 2011 “Dear Colleague letter” sent to schools that receive federal funding. The 20-page memo reminded the institutions of their legal obligation to investigate sexual assault claims under Title IX, a federal law which prohibits gender discrimination.

Critics of the guidelines argue that they are unfair to the accused. “I am grateful to those who endeavored to end sexual misconduct on campuses,” she said. “But good intentions alone are not enough. Justice demands humility, wisdom and prudence. It requires a serious pursuit of truth.”

13 Best Documentaries to Watch on Netflix (Photos)

Documentaries and chill?

If you're getting a bit tired of endlessly scrolling through Netflix movies, try these films on for size.

Added plus: You might even accidentally learn something.
"The 13th"

Ava DuVernay's latest documentary, "The 13th" sheds light on the prison industrial system and its relation to historical inequality in the United States. It's titled after the 13th amendment which abolished slavery.
Netflix
"Blackfish"

We can pretty much credit the downfall of Sea World to Gabriela Cowperthwaite's "Blackfish," which tells the story of Tilikum, a killer whale living in captivity that killed its trainer in 2010. The film discusses the dangers to humans and the orcas who are confined in theme parks.

Magnolia Pictures
"The Black Power Mixtape"

This 2011 documentary showcases the evolution of the Black Power Movement by using footage found 30 years after it was shot by Swedish journalists. It covers the time period between 1967 to 1975 and includes interviews from Angela Davis, Huey P. Newton and Eldridge Cleaver, along with others central to the movement.
"The Imposter"

This British-American documentary is about a French imposter, Frédéric Bourdin, who presents himself to a grieving family as their missing boy Nicholas Barclay -- a 13-year-old from Texas who went missing.
"Room 237"

If you've ever wondered what mysteries lied behind Room 237 in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," this is the film for you.

Each segment of the film, focuses on a specific element in "The Shining" and offers different interpretations.
"What Happened, Miss Simone?"

Academy Award-nominated "What Happened, Miss Simone" features previously unreleased footage and interviews with singer Nina Simone's friends and family that tells the life story of the activist and music legend.

The film was also executive produced by Simone's daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly.
Sundance
"Into the Abyss"

Werner Herzog's "Into the Abyss" focuses on capital punishment in Texas by profiling Michael Perry, a convicted killer on Death Row for the murder of a 50-year-old nurse, among other crimes.

Some of his interviews were filmed only eight days prior to his execution.

The documentary neither focuses on Perry's innocence nor his guilt.
IFC Films
"Virunga"

This one is for all the animal lovers out there. "Virunga" focuses on four park rangers who risk their lives to protect critically endangered mountain gorillas from poachers in Congo's Virunga National Park.
Grain Media
"Biggie & Tupac"

If you've ever been curious of the mysteries surrounding the deaths of two of rap's most prominent artists, watch "Biggie & Tupac."

While the documentary doesn't give a clear answer of who killed the rap icons, the director suggests that Suge Knight was responsible for the latter's murder.
Lionsgate
"The Invisible War"

While the military is known for fighting our wars overseas, there's one silent battle within the armed forces that few are talking about -- sexual assault.

Kirby Dick's "The Invisible War" features interviews with veterans who share their experiences of sexual assault in the U.S. military.

Cinedigm/Docurama Films
"Super Size Me"

This documentary can pretty much be credited for pushing McDonald's to alter their menu to include more healthy items and getting rid of their super size option.

Morgan Spurlock takes on a 30-day challenge -- he eats at least three meals a day for 30 days from McDonald's. The film documents the changes that occur in his physical appearance, as well as his health.

Roadside Attractions
"20 Feet From Stardom"

Most of us see backup singers providing support to the main act, but rarely do we recognize their talent.

This documentary follows backup singers like Judith Hill, Darlene Love and Merry Clayton and sheds light on their lives through behind-the-scenes footage.
Radius-TWC
"Hot Girls Wanted"

The appropriately titled doc features interviews with several young porn actresses, as they discuss their experiences in the industry.
Netflix