Bill > S128

This bill, known as the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to enhance education and prevention efforts concerning campus sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Key provisions include requiring institutions of higher education to develop and distribute policies on preventing these incidents and outlining procedures for responding to reported cases, including a clear standard of evidence for institutional conduct proceedings. The bill also mandates comprehensive educational programs for students and employees covering definitions of these offenses, consent, bystander intervention, and risk reduction, alongside ongoing awareness campaigns. Furthermore, it details procedures for victims, including written notification of their rights and options, assistance with evidence preservation, reporting to law enforcement or campus authorities, and access to support services. Institutions will also be required to inform victims and accused individuals of disciplinary proceeding outcomes, appeal processes, and any changes to results, while ensuring the confidentiality of victims' information. The bill also clarifies definitions for these offenses, drawing from the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and specifies that institutions must not retaliate against individuals exercising their rights under these provisions.