Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that a new uniform policy to handle sexual assault prevention and response has been adopted by all 64 SUNY campuses.
MORE | To review the new uniform sexual assault policy, follow this link
The policy requires a clear, affirmative agreement between partners to constitute sexual consent. Under the new standard, silence cannot be taken as a sign of permission and consent may be withdrawn at any time.
In addition, there is now a user-friendly website that provides data on all of the sexual assault and violent crimes reported on college campuses in New York State.
“Today, SUNY is taking a critical step toward combating the epidemic of sexual violence and misconduct on our college campuses,” Governor Cuomo said in a statement. “By implementing a uniform sexual assault prevention policy, we are better protecting our students and our communities and setting an example for other states and schools to follow.”
The uniform policy is the first of its kind in the nation and applies to more than 463,000 students. It was drafted over the past two months while working with SUNY leadership and workings groups of internal and external stakeholders.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed the so-called "yes means yes" policy this fall in response to what he says is an "epidemic" of sexual violence on college campuses.
The SUNY Board of Trustees announced Tuesday that it has formally approved the new policy, part of a larger effort to reduce sexual violence.
Along with the new policy comes CampusCrime.NY.Gov , a website that will provide information on data involving sexual assault and violent crimes on all college campuses that have been reported to the state.
The website will provide resources for students, parents, administrators and law enforcement and also provide information on how students can protect themselves and find help.
