In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation aimed at preventing campus sexual violence and supporting survivors across Pennsylvania. This bill, written by students and survivors in partnership with the Every Voice Coalition, will ensure that colleges and universities provide critical resources, transparency, and protections for students.
Sexual violence remains a silent, violent epidemic—with 1 in 10 students and 1 in 4 women experiencing sexual violence on campus. Despite its prevalence, Pennsylvania still lacks adequate survivor support systems at our higher education institutions.
The Every Voice Bill introduces four key provisions to change that:
- Confidential Resource Advisors to provide absolutely privileged support and referral services to survivors on campuses.
- Campus Climate Surveys to measure the prevalence of sexual violence and inform policy changes.
- Annual Sexual Violence Trainings to ensure students, faculty, and staff are educated on prevention and response.
- An Amnesty Policy to encourage reporting by ensuring survivors and bystanders are not penalized for alcohol or drug use when coming forward.
These measures will bring Pennsylvania in line with best practices already adopted in other states, making our campuses safer and more supportive for survivors.
I invite my colleagues and community members to support this critical legislation and join us in taking action to end campus sexual violence in Pennsylvania.
Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1451 (Apr 22, 2025): P.L.30, No.14