The GUSA Assembly did not pass a resolution Tuesday night supporting a proposal by the Advocates For Improved Sexual Response Methods, although GUSA Chief Advisor Tony Cani (SFS ‘04) characterized the response of the Assembly as “positive.”
The resolution, presented by Representative Luis Torres (CAS ‘05), followed a presentation from AFIRMS group members.
The resolution had four main points. The first advocated changing the classification of all acts of coerced sexual assault to a Category “C” offense. Currently, the Student Code of Conduct classifies certain acts of sexual assault as Category “B,” which is a lesser offense.
The resolution also mandated sexual assault training for faculty, staff and others that would come in contact with victims. One of the reasons the resolution did not pass, Cani said, was because a list of the groups AFIRMS wanted to receive training was not included in the resolution.
The resolution also calls for an end to the University’s policy of requiring some persons involved in discplinary hearings to sign a confidentiality agreement in order to learn the outcome of the adjudication process.
Finally, the resolution asks that the name of the perpetrator and the outcome of the trial be publicly released, unless the victim requests otherwise.
Torres remains optimistic about the resolution’s fate. He said that Tuesday’s meeting became more of a “working meeting,” as Assembly members suggested modifications and improvements to the resolution.
Torres said that the resolution will be reproposed next Tuesday and that administrators have been invited to the meeting.
“I hope that it passes-I think that it will. We’re doing all the work. We want to make sure we have all the information necessary,” Torres said.
