Now Law: Kean Bill Creates ‘Campus Sexual Assault Commission’

Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean to create a Campus Sexual Assault Commission was signed into law.

“Our college campuses should foster a healthy learning environment; a secure place where students can grow without fear of the unthinkable,” said Kean (R-21). “Many brave survivors have come forward to share their stories. They, and all survivors, deserve justice. Establishing this commission will create real deterrents to combat the campus assault epidemic and keep New Jersey’s college students safe from sexual violence.”

Senator Kean’s law, S-778, creates a commission comprised of twelve members to study and evaluate emerging issues, policies and practices concerning campus sexual assault. The commission would include experts, stakeholders, members of the public and at least one campus sexual assault survivor.

According to a June 2017 report by the New Jersey Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault, approximately 20 percent of undergraduate women experience sexual violence while on college campuses around the nation, most often in their first year of school. Data also shows that a larger number of undergraduate students, particularly women, are impacted by sexual violence while on campus.