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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 21, 2017 09:23 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mary Jo Daley |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Re-Circulation: It’s On Us – Affirmative Consent |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation requiring higher educational institutions to address the reality of sexual violence in our state. The “It’s On Us PA” campaign, a multi-bill initiative launched by Governor Wolf in January 2016, is built off of the national “It’s On Us” movement pioneered by President Obama and Vice President Biden to end sexual assault on college campuses. It asks all Pennsylvanians to make a personal commitment to be part of the solution. Pennsylvania is the first state in the nation to adopt a statewide campaign. HB1755 would require Pennsylvania’s postsecondary institutions to adopt affirmative consent standards for responding to allegations of sexual violence. Nationwide, nearly 90% of instances of sexual assault on college campuses go unreported. In order for postsecondary institutions to properly address and discipline instances of sexual assault when reported, it is necessary that a clear definition of affirmative consent be established. Every postsecondary institution would be required under this legislation to adopt the definition of affirmative consent included in this bill. This definition would serve as guidance and policy when addressing instances of sexual assault. In furtherance of the campaign, the Pennsylvania Department of Education would offer mini-grants to school districts and postsecondary institutions to promote evidence-based training for students, faculty, and staff. Local education agencies and postsecondary institutions undergoing audits would receive priority consideration for funding. It is my hope that you will join me as we work to end sexual violence in Pennsylvania. |
Introduced as HB1921