Kentucky Governor calls on universities & colleges to review sexual assault policies
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Heartland News) - In a letter to Kentucky colleges and universities, Governor Andy Beshear calls on each institution to review their sexual assault and harassment policies.
Beshear asked for the institutions to complete the reviews over the next 90 days.
In the letter, Beshear says, at minimum, the reviews need to double-check awareness campaigns, ease of access to resources, reporting steps, victim services and due process, bystander prevention, education on retaliation, and resulting appropriate action.
Under state law, the Governor also requested that the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education make sure university board members are educated on the same policies.
“Every Kentuckian has the right to feel safe – and that includes college students on campuses throughout the commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Over the past month, much-needed conversations have taken place around disturbing events at university campuses nationwide. These conversations have demonstrated the importance of colleges and universities having stronger policies and protocols in place to combat sexual violence and protect students. By working together, we can create learning environments where everyone feels safe.”
In September, a woman filed a lawsuit against Cornell University and seven former students, alleging she was sexually assaulted at a fraternity house in 2024.
The entire letter was released to the public.
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