Senators Schuitmaker, Proos, Ananich, Knezek, Smith and Bieda offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 34.

            A resolution to urge Michigan institutions of higher learning to improve policies, training, and victims services regarding cases of sexual assault and stalking.

            Whereas, College-age women are four times more likely than any other age group to face sexual assault. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women are targets of sexual assault during the course of their college career; and

            Whereas, There are many barriers to reporting sexual assault, including inadequate university policies, causing the problem to remain hidden on campuses around the country. Fewer than 5 percent of actual or attempted sexual assaults are reported to campus authorities or law enforcement; and

            Whereas, Schools should adopt best practices to address sexual assault and improve the campus climate. Best practices include programs for awareness, bystander intervention, risk reduction, how to report incidents, victims rights and options, establishment of a campus resource team to review policies, and possible oversight by a state governmental entity; and

            Whereas, Many of these practices are required under federal law. Title IX of 1972 requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to fight gender-based violence and harassment,  and respond to victims needs in order to provide all students equal access to education. It requires procedures for students to file complaints and the appointment of a Title IX coordinator to oversee this and other equity issues. Under the federal Violence Against Women Act, a 2013 amendment to the 1990 Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, higher education institutions must report domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking incidents, along with sexual assaults, on campus, publicize prevention and response policies, and provide victims with clear options and support; and

            Whereas, Many colleges and universities are under federal investigation for possible violations of antidiscrimination laws in their handling of sexual violence reports; and

            Whereas, There is no greater priority for institutions of higher learning than the safety of their students, faculty, and staff. Educational equity for women and girls requires fair, responsive, fully-developed campus sexual assault policies, knowledgeable administrators, and, ultimately, an end to sexual violence on campuses; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge Michigan institutions of higher learning to:

· Update policies and training regarding cases of sexual assault and stalking and mandate reporting requirements.

· Provide victims of stalking and sexual assault with written information regarding the victim's rights and options under the institution's sexual assault policy, as well as establish access for victims to free and confidential counseling and advocacy services, either on or off campus.

· Establish campus resource teams to review their policies for sexual assault cases and recommend improvements.

· Establish training requirements regarding the handling of sexual assault cases for the institution's Title IX coordinator and special police force, campus police force, or campus safety personnel and local or state police who respond to campus incidents.

; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.