One of the elements we are waiting on is the 2nd draft of the policy. Students for a Greater CUNY showed the first draft to some professionals in the field and they provided commentary to guide the 2nd draft. Below are what they've pinpointed that needs to be included in the 2nd draft.
Summary of Commentaries made on the CUNY Sexual Assault Policy first draft
SAFER (Students Active for Ending Rape)
•Victims of a Sexual Assault should not be mandated to report to the police, such a
mandate only reinforces a culture of silence around rape. Victims need to feel
supported, not pressured.
•Clearly defined consequences for not following the policy and for offenders of sexual
violence should be mentioned in the policy so that the University’s stance of zero
tolerance is affirmed.
•The policy should be consistently easy to read and avoid legalese terms. Instead, an
addendum of legal terms can be included at the end of the policy along with
resources for students, faculty and staff if they or someone they know has
experienced sexual violence.
• Clearly defined processes for disciplinary action for perpetrators and campus non‐
compliance should be strongly visible within the policy to back up a portrayal of
zero tolerance for such behavior.
• How often is the education supposed to occur?
• Clarify any limits of confidentiality
•Clearly outline the process for reporting‐ who are you supposed to report to first?
North Central Bronx Hospital Sexual Assault Treatment Program (SATP)
• The policy shows a reasonable effect in addressing medical and psychological
concerns, STD’s should be reflected as STI’s to reflect current medical terminology
and be more inclusive for students.
• The addendum should make a distinction between SAFE/SANE hospitals that are
within the city and those that are not, with an explanation of the difference between
the two.
• Within the legal terms and explanations section, a summary of the new NYC law for
EMS workers to take a victim to a SAFE/SANE hospital if they mention that they have been assaulted and they do not have any life‐threatening injuries that requiresEMS to take them to the nearest hospital which may not be SAFE/SANE should be included in plain language.
New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault
• The policy should clearly distinguish harm reduction and prevention through a
more inclusive definition of sexual violence. Education cabut the focus should be primary prevention.
Become involved! Email us at cunypolicy08@gmail.com. We currently have an immediate need for:
* Organizations and individuals to endorse our cause (willing to sign a letter of support)
* Organizations and individuals to join Students for a Greater CUNY as a member
* A tech-savvy person that is good with website building
* Skilled writers to chronicle CUNY's progress for the students on blogs and through campus media
* Student leaders or organizations that will facilitate setting up 3 town hall meetings within the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn, so public opinions can be heard on the draft of the policy.
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