In response to the mounting concerns regarding the prevalence of campus sexual assaults nationwide, Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Chris Brown are pushing for legislation that would establish a “Campus Sexual Assault Commission.” The bill was advanced yesterday by the Senate Higher Education Committee.

“College campuses should be nurturing and secure environments where students can grow and learn without fear,” Senator Kean said. “So many survivors have bravely come forward to share their stories. They deserve justice. By establishing a commission, we can develop real deterrents to combat campus assault and keep generations of students safe from sexual violence.”

S-778 would establish a Campus Sexual Assault Commission. The Commission would consist of 12 members.

In 2016, there were 138 reported rapes at four-year colleges and universities in New Jersey, according to a Star-Ledger report. Reports of other sexual crimes also increased.

Under the Senators’ legislation, the Campus Sexual Assault Commission would be charged with:

• Implementing policies, and practices to end campus sexual assault;
• Applying and monitoring the recommendations issued by the commission;
• Developing an action plan every three years that includes policies, programs, or procedures responsive to the issues and needs identified by the commission.

“Sexual violence is a widespread problem that needs to be dealt with head on,” Sen. Chris Brown said. “Mothers and fathers all over New Jersey send their children to college expecting them to be safe. No parent should have to fear that their child will be assaulted at school. This is why we must do everything possible to protect our families and loved ones from predators.”