A bill introduced this Wednesday, July 29 if passed could make it not only
easier to adjudicate college
sexual assault cases, but also make them fairer for the accused. The legislation, deemed the
Safe Campus Act, provides due process protections for students accused of raping a fellow student.
Currently, colleges and universities hold the responsibility for settling
these matters, rather than law enforcement. This bill would not take the
responsibility out of these institutions’ hands, however, it would
expand law enforcement’s role in these proceedings.
Critics of the legislation say involving law enforcement to a greater degree
will deter victims of sexual assault from coming forward, for fear of
getting police involved or for fear of subjecting the accused to harsh
criminal penalties.
Key Features of the Safe Campus Bill
- Alleged victims of sexual assault would have to report the incident to
law enforcement before they could initiate a campus disciplinary hearing. - Would allow alleged victims to seek campus-provided, non-punitive services
without having to make a police report. Services might include counseling
or alternative housing. - Both victims and the accused would have the right to obtain all relevant
material evidence in a timely manner. - Reduce potential conflicts of interest by limiting roles of individuals
involved. For example, individuals who serve as victim counselors could
not also serve as the prosecutor. - Allows both parties to retain attorneys for representation.
Colleges and universities are not law enforcement. They are not trained
in due process rights of the accused. Should this bill pass, individuals
accused of sexual assault on campus can opt to retain a criminal defense
attorney to represent them throughout these proceedings.
For more information on the Safe Campus Act, its key features, and what
this could mean for future
college sexual assault cases, visit:
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
