Statement from President Ojakian Regarding Affirmative Consent

Today, Mark E. Ojakian, President of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, released the following statement regarding a proposed bill that would define Affirmative Consent as it relates to sexual assault on college campuses: 

“When it comes to the safety and well-being of our students we simply cannot be overly diligent. We are united at CSCU to improve prevention, education, response, and support services. Further still, we are committed to not just providing a safe campus, but in fostering a campus culture that actively acknowledges and confronts the realities of rape, sexual assault and intimate partner violence on our campuses and in our communities. I strongly urge the support of this bill, which brings a standard definition of affirmative consent to higher education institutions across our state.”

Background:

• A copy of Raised Bill 5376 can be found here
• A copy of President Ojakian’s testimony can be found here