New measures have passed through the legislative branch that aim to protect sexual assault and harassment victims on state college campuses and are waiting to be signed by the governor.
Lawmakers united past party lines to help make it happen.
The Senate voted unanimously to give final passage to Senate 320 authored by Sen. Beth Mizell of Franklinton. It closes loopholes for reporting sexual violence complaints on state college campuses.
In addition to that State Rep. Aimee Freeman says House Bill 409 clearly defines the reporting process of a sexual assault, harassment or misconduct on a college campus. There are now clearly defined reporting obligations for the system president, chancellor or Title 9 administrator. If that staff member is not complying with the reporting system, an element in the bill allows for termination of that employee.
Freeman says this was pushed by a woman-led caucus, 21 from the House, six from the Senate – after LSU’s mishandling of several sexual assault and harassment allegations were brought to light.
