Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future we will be introducing legislation entitled “Yes Means Yes Affirmative Consent and Coordination of Services” – as part of Governor Tom Wolf’s Its On Us Campaign. This bill requires the adoption of affirmative consent standards at all postsecondary institutions in Pennsylvania and increases access to comprehensive, coordinated, and confidential support and services for victims of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. 

 

According to a study from the Association of American Universities more than half of undergraduate women (59.2%) and TGQN students (65.1%) reported experiencing at least one harassing behavior.  Students who are survivors of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking need to feel safe coming forward to report what has happened to them and have access to academic, living, and other accommodations that can help them stay in school.  

The bill provides clear standards of what consent is, and is not, and would ensure students know where they can access resources in the event of an assault by requiring agreements with local rape crisis centers and domestic violence programs. This bill would ensure all Pennsylvania students have access to comprehensive and confidential support and services.  

Five other states have enacted YES MEANS YES legislation: California, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York.   

Please join us in sponsoring this important legislation.