Bill > HR3403

This bill, the Safe Campus Act of 2015, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to better protect victims of sexual violence and improve how allegations of sexual violence are handled on college campuses. It applies to institutions of higher education that receive federal funding and defines "covered allegation" as an accusation that a student or student organization committed sexual violence or created a hostile environment leading to it. The bill encourages educational programs on campuses to prevent sexual violence, including training on reporting allegations and bystander intervention, and mandates that institutions provide support services for students affected by sexual violence. It also outlines procedures for reporting allegations to law enforcement, allowing for a 48-hour window after the victim's consent, and restricts institutional disciplinary proceedings during law enforcement investigations, though interim sanctions like temporary suspensions may be imposed for campus safety. Furthermore, the bill establishes due process requirements for institutional disciplinary proceedings, ensuring parties receive notice, have opportunities to contest allegations, access evidence, and can be represented by an advocate, while also allowing for judicial review of sanctions. Finally, it preserves exemptions for single-sex student organizations under Title IX, preventing institutions from forcing them to waive these protections or admit members who don't meet their criteria.