Should college administrators handle sexual assault cases on college campuses, or should state legislators handle the cases?
For several years now, sexual assault on college campuses has been an ever present issue that has yet to be resolved. College administrators thus far have been the ones to handle sexual assault cases that occur on their campuses. However, the question has risen on whether colleges should continue handling sexual assault cases, or is it better suited for state legislators to tackle these cases, as well as finding solutions to the problem. There have been a few cases where legislators have taken it upon themselves to solve the issue of sexual assault on college campuses. Schools that have dealt with sexual assault for several years, but have yet to lower the number of rapes; however, there are legislators who have recently stepped up and have slowly lowered the numbers. Though it would better be suited for institutions of education to manage sexual assaults, I believe it is best if state legislators take it upon themselves to handle sexual assault cases on college campuses.
State legislators are the best choice in handling sexual assault on college campuses because they are able to implement laws that must be followed. Schools will be held accountable to follow whatever laws are passed by the state. Laws hold greater strength than rules set up by a college institute. State legislators in New York took it upon themselves to come to a sort of an agreement on what affirmative consent meant. In the New York Times, Susanne Craig and Jesse McKinley released an article title, “New Yorker’s Lawmakers Agree on Campus Sexual Assault Laws,” on June 16 of last year where it “proposes legislation that would establish a statewide definition of “affirmative consent,” and define consent as a “knowing, voluntary and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity.” A world wide agreement of “affirmative consent” leaves no leeway for schools to decide on the definition of the phrase. An issue with administrators ruling over sexual assault is that each school has a different way of looking at sexual assault, thus forth having different rules. The involvement of state legislators, removes this issue.
Washington legislators took a different route in their involvement by passing laws that would fall upon all the schools in the state that would benefit students, as well as educate them and the administrators. In the Washington Post, Kim Soffen released, “How one state is giving more to students in reporting sexual assault on campus-anonymously,” on August 2nd. There was legislation that was passed for Washington schools that would allow students to report assaults without naming themselves, as well as implementing programs for both students and administrators to be educated on sexual assault. An easier way to report cases would help more victims in coming forward, as well as providing an accurate number of sexual assaults and rapes occurring on different campuses to have incoming students aware. Also, in including programs that will educate, students and staff will better react to rape and sexual assault. Legislator involvement looks for solutions and implements them.
Even though school involvement means sexual assault cases could be the top priority for a college institute to look at, state legislation focuses on what is wrong with the system now to solve possible future issues. What students need is a solution to the rising problem of sexual assault, not someone to be there after the problem has occurred. In order for the number of sexual assault cases and rape to lower, there must be rules implemented, and a state wide understanding of the rules, which is why state legislation involvement is necessary. It will lead to lower number of sexual assaults, and guarantee safety to students.
