Reed discusses sexual assault prevention, awareness with student athletes

Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) met with a group of students at Keuka College on Thursday to discuss sexual assault prevention and awareness.

Reed co-sponsored the Campus Accountability and Safety Act earlier this month. The measure would enhance accountability and transparency regarding the handling of reported sexual assault at colleges and universities.

“Advocating against sexual assault needs to be everyone’s priority, it’s all of our job to stand up for what’s right,” Reed said. “On college campuses, where one in five women will be assaulted, we can’t underestimate the influence students have on the campus culture. The more students who use their voice to increase awareness and talk about sexual assault prevention, the safer all campuses will be.”

Student athletes, resident assistants and student mentors were among those who gathered to hear Reed speak and ask questions of the congressman.

“I remember my days as a competitive swimmer in college and between balancing school work and practice, they were busy days,” Reed said. “We can all benefit though, from making more time to talk about ways to generate a cultural shift and send the message that sexual assault in any form will not be tolerated. We can reverse the current trend, better care for students and make college campuses safer.”