COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Friday, bipartisan legislation to improve how colleges and universities handle reports of sexual violence and ensure greater transparency and support was reintroduced in Congress.
The Campus Accountability and Safety Act was brought forward by Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH), Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
It can be difficult to report assaults and cases of sexual violence on college campuses. This proposed legislation aims to ensure a uniform and fair process for investigations of sexual assault while providing additional support for students.
“Students have to be kept safe on college campuses. The reports of sexual violence at colleges and universities make it clear that changes are needed. Our bipartisan effort will ensure there’s way more transparency, accountability, and support for students,” said Greg Landsman, a congressperson representing southwest Ohio.
According to Representative Landsman, the Campus Accountability Act would:
- Increase transparency and reporting requirements under the Clery Act by mandating an institution’s website include campus safety policies, an annual security report, instructions for filing a complaint, and statistics of sexual misconduct allegations on campus
- Create sexual and interpersonal violence specialists to serve as confidential aides for victims and coordinate support services
- Establish a standard procedure to handle sexual assault cases and ensure on-campus personnel are well-trained
- Ensure individuals who report sexual misconduct in good faith are not punished for acts of self-defense, or alcohol or drug use, that is revealed by that report
- Create a campus grant program to address and prevent sexual assault, sexual harassment, and domestic violence on campuses
“After the horrific allegations at Cornell, LSU, and the countless stories we have heard from survivors on campuses across the country, Congress must act to protect survivors and ensure there is accountability,” said Ro Khanna, a congressperson. “Due to stigma, many survivors don’t report sexual violence, much less pursue justice through their university’s system, and many perpetrators are never held accountable. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill with my colleagues to increase transparency, provide resources for survivors, and reduce barriers in the reporting process.”
The bill was reintroduced, and will be evaluated by its assigned committees before moving forward. Track the progress of the proposed legislation here.
Source: spectrumnews1.com
