Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Jackie Speier and Annie Kuster introduced the Hold Accountable and Lend Transparency on Campus Sexual Violence Act, a bill with 36 cosponsors. The Act will strengthen prevention efforts and the enforcement of laws to eradicate the epidemic of campus sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
“Our institutions of higher education must be held accountable for lax policies against sexual violence occurring on their campuses. Young women and men attending college deserve the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in a safe environment, free from fear,” Fitzpatrick said. “The HALT Act ensures that universities take every possible step to eradicate sexual violence on college campuses. Congress must act to keep our youth safe.”
The legislation strengthens prevention and enforcement efforts by, among other things, creating an interagency task force to increase coordination between agencies and enhance prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment and stalking in education.
The bill is supported by End Rape on Campus; Know Your IX; Girls Inc.; National Women’s Law Center; American Association of University Women; and National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
