Campus Sexual Assault Prevention
Michigan’s state universities seek to create an environment that is open, safe, and respectful for all students. These institutions have put forth considerable effort to strengthen already strong existing policies and protocols for educating students about issues of sexual assault with the aim of improved prevention, and when such instances do occur, facilitating rigorous and timely investigation and adjudication. Any state legislation that seeks to address issues related to campus sexual assault should be grounded in the following principles: respect for the wishes of the victim, proactive support to students, and fairness for all who are involved in a given incident. In addition, such legislation should maintain the longstanding educational nature of the university disciplinary system and not create a chilling effect on reporting.
Policy Action:
- Ensure that any state legislation that seeks to address issues related to campus sexual assault complements existing or impending federal legislation and is grounded in the following principles: respect for the wishes of the victim, proactive support to students, and fairness for all involved in a given incident. In addition, such legislation should maintain the longstanding educational nature of the university discipline system and not create a chilling effect on reporting.