Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) noted progress in curbing sexual assault on college campuses on Friday as she highlighted the importance of legislation she co-sponsored in July to empower students and hold universities accountable.
The Campus Accountability and Safety Act would require colleges to designate confidential advisors to serve as a resource for victims, help coordinate support services, and provide information and assistance in reporting crimes.
Universities that fail to meet staff training and data maintenance requirements could face penalties under the bill.
“We’ve also created minimum training standards for on-campus personnel to ensure they are equipped to handle investigations and the disciplinary process as well as included stronger accountability provisions,” Noem said. “For instance, the bill prohibits athletic departments or other subgroups to handle complaints of sexual violence for members of that subgroup alone. As such, there will be a uniform way of addressing claims of assault. I’m hopeful this will ensure any potential bias is suppressed and that both campus authorities and local law enforcement can focus on solving the crime rather than debating jurisdiction, as has happened too often in the past.”
One in five women are targets of sexual assault or attempted assault while they are college students, according to the Department of Justice.
“Schools have taken great strides in recent years to improve education and awareness on campuses to help guard students from putting themselves in a dangerous situation,” Noem said. “Reporting requirements have also helped better address complaints and deal with recurring problems. There is more that can and should be done, however.”