A bill that was drafted by Sen. Kevin De Leon, D-Los Angeles, and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown will change how rape allegations are handled in colleges, but it seems that the majority of students do not know of this bill.
Studies indicate that on average 35 incidents of rape or attempted rape per 1,000 female students occur annually. And that’s not taking into account the male victims of rape.
Senate Bill 967, which was signed on Sept. 28, 2014, sets new guidelines as to what constitutes rape.
SB 967 applies to all California postsecondary schools, public and private, that receive money for student financial aid.
The California State University and University of California systems are backing the bill after adopting similar consent standards this year.
Advocates for victims of sexual assault believe this bill will provide constancy across college campuses, challenging the notion that victims must have “resisted the assault” in order to have a valid complaint.
The bill also requires colleges to provide training for faculty so victims are no longer asked inappropriate questions when filing complaints. It also includes counseling and heath care services for the victim.
The new bill defines consent as an “Affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity.” And that not saying “no” isn’t a go.
The bill also specifies that if an individual has drugs or alcohol in their system, they cannot give legal consent.
“Every student deserves a learning environment that is safe and healthy,” De Leon said. “The state of California will not allow schools to sweep rape cases under the rug. We’ve shifted the conversation regarding sexual assault to one of prevention, justice, and healing.”
While there are my people and originations that are for the bill, there are some who are against it.
Gordon Finley, an advisor to the National Coalition for Men, wrote an editorial asking Brown not to sign the bill. He argued that “this campus rape crusade bill” presumes the guilt of the accused.
With a bill that deals so closely with college life, college conduct, and college safety, students should know about it.
Bakersfield College student Carter Wardlow, 19, says that although some things could have been added, for the most part the bill is right on point. He said, “It’s something that is needed in colleges and makes him feel safer.” He believes that the bill will help women so they can dress as they wish without fear that a man will take it as an invitation for forced sex. He believes the bill will detour guys from approaching sex in an inappropriate and unwanted manor.
BC student Elainey Mackey, 18, says that the bill is definitely needed but that they went a little too far.
“I believe that someone can give consent when drunk,” Mackey said. “I felt safe before. I think they are walking a thin line. There will probably be a lot of lawsuits.”