Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently revealed his plan to overhaul the SUNY system’s sexual assault policy. The policy reform establishes uniform standards for consent, accountability to the SUNY Council and mandatory training programs for faculty and police personnel. The overhaul also brings increased salience to the issue of sexual assault, and the SUNY-wide reform will positively impact Binghamton students.
Cuomo’s plan for a uniform definition of affirmative consent sets SUNY apart as a progressive leader in the fight against sexual assault. Affirmative consent means both parties must obtain an enthusiastic yes – whether verbal or clearly indicated through other means – for every sexual act. Such an explicit standard clears up the ambiguity muddying many University sexual assault policies. Critics argue that the affirmative definition of consent will fundamentally change the way we have sex and place many innocent parties on the wrong side of the law. These critics miss the point: Adding protections for victims of sexual assault is more important than protecting possible rapists. To possibly alter our sexual dynamics at the cost of protection and security of both engaged parties shouldn’t be regarded as a cost too high to incur. We are proud that Cuomo recognizes the value of strict protections against sexual assault.
Institutionalizing sexual assault policy at the state level demonstrates that Cuomo takes sexual assault seriously. New York state regulates environmental protection, economic development and transportation through a complex bureaucratic network. With so many college students adversely affected, the same tools must be employed to combat the epidemic of sexual assault. Framing the issue as a responsibility of the state raises the legitimacy of concerns and the accountability to which universities within the SUNY system will be held – it will no longer be a progressive policy to maintain strong standards of consent and to regard sexual assault as a serious issue, but the norm. Rape is vastly under-reported, and the creation of state-wide institutions that support victims could help many come forward.
After introducing this overhaul, Cuomo expressed hope that this policy may evolve into a state law affecting private institutions. Here, the SUNY system and Binghamton University have the opportunity to set a positive precedent for colleges across the state and country. It’s comforting to know that our University already implemented many aspects of Cuomo’s reform policy prior to his announcement, and we hope BU continues to take progressive steps forward in the institutional treatment of sexual assault, for the sake of its students and our national peers.