BOSTON – The Massachusetts State Senate took action to help colleges and universities better understand and prevent sexual violence on their campuses. The legislation creates a task force to develop a model sexual assault climate survey to be administered at all public and private institutions of higher education.
The bill also encompasses several recommendations from legislation that passed the Senate last November, including annual training on sexual violence prevention for students and staff, the designation of confidential resource advisors for sexual assault survivors, and the creation of formal partnerships with local rape crisis centers. The language reflects a collaborative approach by college officials, advocacy groups, students and policymakers to address the issue of on-campus sexual assaults.
According to the 2015 climate survey conducted by the Association of American Universities, 23% of female undergraduate student respondents reported experiencing non-consensual sexual contact by physical force, threats of physical force or incapacitation. Despite these statistics, 95% to 72% of these incidents of sexual violence went unreported. This legislation aims to encourage more students to come forward by ensuring that fair procedures and appropriate services are in place not only for the reporting party, but also the accused.
Climate surveys are an essential tool for educating students, staff and campus leaders about the issues surrounding sexual violence and how to establish more comprehensive prevention efforts. Statewide campus climate surveys will inform future policies at the state and campus level, leading to better outcomes for survivors of sexual violence and their peers on campus.
“As a father, and Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, I recognize that the language passed by the Senate tonight is profoundly important” said Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury). “Through improved data collection, training, transparency and enforcement of policies, this bill supports initiatives to ensure our postsecondary institutions are implementing systems that students can trust. This is especially necessary following the rollback of significant federal protections and standards for dealing with sexual violence.”
The model sexual violence climate survey will be developed by a task force consisting of 21 members drawn from state agencies, survivor advocacy groups, and representatives of various higher education institutions. The model will be reviewed and approved by the Board of Higher Education, and institutions will have an opportunity to create individualized surveys that align with the established standards and specific campus needs.
The bill also requires students and staff be notified- via email and on the school website- of the campus policies including information on the resources available to sexual assault victims both on and off-campus. To help decrease the barriers that discourage students from reporting sexual violence, the bill mandates that schools designate a confidential resource advisor. When requested by the reporting party, a confidential resource advisor shall provide information on reporting options and available counseling and medical services. The advisor will also coordinate with the school to arrange academic accommodations and interim measures, such as changing dorms.
In an effort to promote increased coordination with outside resources and services, the bill requires schools to establish a memorandum of understanding with sexual assault crisis centers, as well as develop policies and procedures with local law enforcement that comply with all applicable confidentiality and privacy laws. The bill would also establish a campus safety advisor at the Department of Higher Education to advance state-wide campus safety initiatives.
In 2016, the Department of Higher Education conducted a comprehensive study of on-campus safety and violence. The report provides many recommendations that further justify provisions of this legislation.
The legislation, which passed the Senate unanimously, has now been referred to the House of Representatives for consideration. To continue tracking the bill, S.2645, please visit the Legislature’s website by clicking below.
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