© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Legislators Announce Bill On Campus Sexual Assault

Patrick Skahill
/
WNPR

Lawmakers have drafted legislation to address sexual assault on college campuses. It will be the first bill heard by the Higher Education Committee when it convenes next month.

One in five women are subjected to sexual abuse while in college, according to lawmakers. Last October, seven current and former UConn students took federal action against their school, saying the college failed to adequately respond to claims of sexual assault. 

The proposed legislation would strengthen Connecticut's existing sexual assault law by allowing anonymous reporting.

Roberta Willis, co-chair of the state's Higher Education Committee, said, "The trauma of sexual assault on the victim really necessitates that they feel the environment is safe. That they are supported and that their reporting options are clearly presented to them."

Willis said the proposed legislation would strengthen Connecticut's existing sexual assault law by allowing anonymous reporting. It would also make local police a more influential part of campus response teams. Additionally, the bill calls for public and private universities to provide clear paperwork outlining a victim's options following an assault.

According to Willis, the bill is backed by every woman in the house and senate. That's 63 legislators. State Representative Rosa Rebimbas, a Republican representing Naugatuck, is one of them. "Educational institutions should be fostering a safe learning and teaching environment for all their students and staff," she said. "This bill will assure that a proper procedure is put in place and followed to make sure this happens."

A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for February 11.

Patrick Skahill is a reporter and digital editor at Connecticut Public. Prior to becoming a reporter, he was the founding producer of Connecticut Public Radio's The Colin McEnroe Show, which began in 2009. Patrick's reporting has appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, Here & Now, and All Things Considered. He has also reported for the Marketplace Morning Report. He can be reached at pskahill@ctpublic.org.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content