New York’s private colleges may soon have a new definition for sexual consent. Governor Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders announced a deal yesterday on a bill they hope will reduce sexual assault.
It would apply to all New York colleges – public and private – and would require “affirmative consent” between partners.
The bill says sexual consent has to be voluntary and ongoing, and either party can take away consent at any time. The measure would protect students who report sexual assault from punishment for drug and alcohol violations. It would also require colleges and universities to submit yearly reports, detailing how many assaults occurred. The new policy is similar to rules the SUNY system passed late last year. It was introduced over the weekend and still needs formal legislative approval.