Rep. Pagan offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 274.

            A resolution to declare April 2016 as Campus Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Campus sexual violence is a prevalent and serious public health concern and according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 16 men will be sexually assaulted in college; and

            Whereas, A survey by the Association of American Universities found that 26 percent of female college seniors reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact; and

            Whereas, A report by the U.S. Department of Justice found that only 20 percent of female student survivors age 18-24 report to law enforcement; and

            Whereas, The long-term effects of sexual assault can impact students in a variety of ways including physically, mentally, and academically; and

            Whereas, Colleges and universities are in a unique position to help create and foster an environment where sexual abuse is intolerable and prevention is a priority; and

            Whereas, Effective strategies can help address the root causes of sexual violence and a change in culture is crucial to ending campus sexual assault; and

            Whereas, We must work with our colleges and universities to educate our entire population about what can be done to prevent sexual assault, support survivors, and ensure that survivors are not re-victimized; and

            Whereas, When we actively increase education, awareness, and community involvement, we can help prevent sexual violence and create a safer environment for everyone; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 2016 as Campus Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That the House of Representatives strongly supports the efforts of national, state, and local partners, and of every citizen, to actively engage in public and private efforts to prevent sexual violence on college campuses and will take appropriate action and support one another to create a safer environment for students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities.