Bipartisan legislation recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) aims to bolster law enforcement measures, hold universities and colleges accountable, and increase prevention efforts against campus sexual violence in America.
“Our institutions of higher education must be held accountable for lax policies against sexual violence occurring on their campuses,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “Young women and men attending college deserve the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in a safe environment, free from fear.”
The Hold Accountable and Lend Transparency (HALT) on Campus Sexual Violence Act, H.R. 4898, which Rep. Fitzpatrick cosponsored on July 30 with 38 other original cosponsors and bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase transparency and reporting on campus sexual violence, among other provisions, according to the congressional record bill summary.
For example, H.R. 4898 would strengthen prevention efforts against such crimes by instituting biennial climate surveys on student experiences with domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking, as well as creating an interagency task force to increase coordination between agencies and enhance prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking in education, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office.
“The HALT Act ensures that universities take every possible step to eradicate sexual violence on college campuses,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Congress must act to keep our youth safe.”
If enacted, H.R. 4898 also would give the U.S. Department of Education the authority to levy fines for noncompliance with civil rights requirements under its authority, including Title IX; increase penalties for violating the Clery Act; and require public disclosure of a list of institutions that have requested to be exempt from Title IX, the summary says.
The bill has been endorsed by End Rape on Campus, Know Your IX, Girls Inc., the National Women’s Law Center, the American Association of University Women, and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.