FOR IMMEDIATE ADVISORY:  March 9, 2018                                                                For more information, contact:  Rep. Taylor, (608) 266-5342 Sen. Schachtner, (608) 266-7745

Rep. Taylor, Sen. Schachtner Introduce Bill to Assist Student

Victims of Sexual Violence and Harassment

(MADISON) – Today, Representative Chris Taylor (D – Madison) and Senator Patty Schachtner (D – Somerset) introduced a bill to provide increased assistance to UW System students who are victims of sexual violence, harassment, stalking, or domestic abuse. The bill would empower students with the right to reasonable accommodations, such as academic and student housing arrangements, at no cost to them. Additionally, the bill would require UW System schools to notify students of these accommodations when the sexual violence is reported.

“We must make sure that victims of sexual violence and harassment are in no way penalized and are reasonably accommodated by their campus community,” said Representative Chris Taylor (D – Madison). “We need to do everything we can to assist survivors in completing their education and pursuing their dreams.”

Since 2013, the number of reported sexual assaults has doubled on UW campuses. On our thirteen four-year colleges, on-campus assaults have increased by 44 percent, and according to Callisto, one in five females and seven percent of males will experience sexual assault as a student.

“Sexual assault on college campuses is a serious, pervasive issue that has long-standing consequences for students,” said Senator Patty Schachtner (D – Somerset). “These accommodations are an important step forward to address trauma and help students recover.”

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