NY Lawmakers Approve Legislation to Fight College Campus Sexual Assaults

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that an agreement has been reached on new legislation in New York State to combat sexual assault on college campuses.

NEW YORK (Sputnik) — An agreement has been reached on new legislation in New York State to combat sexual assault on college campuses, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in statement on Tuesday.

“Today is a victory for students across New York State,” Cuomo said. “As the Governor, and as a father, I am proud that with this legislation New York will become a national leader in the fight against sexual assault on college campuses.”

The legislation, which was approved by both the New York State Senate and the State Assembly, includes provisions for comprehensive training for college administrators and staff.

It also includes new requirements for colleges to submit annually data on reported incidents of sexual violence.

The legislation also calls for a new unit within the New York State Police Department dedicated solely to cases of sexual assault.

“This action is a major step forward to protect students from an issue that has been plaguing schools nationwide for far too long,” Cuomo said.

Cuomo added that he plans to sign the legislation into law “as soon as possible.”

According to the US Department of Education, colleges reported nearly 5,000 forcible sex offences in 2012 alone.