On September 5, a broad array of national higher education organizations, led by the American Council on Education (ACE), sent a letter the leadership of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) with comments about the Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA). Among groups signing the letter were the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the Association of American Universities (AAU).  UO is a member of both. The letter supports the intent of CASA, which includes provisions designed to help institutions prevent and address to sexual assault.  The letter addressed provisions of the bill related to the role of confidential advisors, the implementation of climate surveys, memorandums of understanding with local law enforcement jurisdictions, Title IX and responsible employees, Clery reporting, and penalties.

The full text of the letter is available here.

White House launches campaign to end sexual assault on college campuses

The White House on September 19 launched a campaign to address sexual assault on college campuses. The "It's On Us" initiative enlists the support of college sports organizations and celebrities. The initiative was launched in an event at the White House. President Barack Obama called rape "an affront to our basic humanity." Addressing survivors, the president said, "This is not your fight alone. This is on all of us, every one of us, to fight campus sexual assault."