The White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault on Monday published new recommendations aimed at helping colleges and local law police departments work together more effectively to combat sexual assault. "Developing strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies, campus administration, and other community stakeholders is important to sexual assault prevention and response efforts," according to a White House press release.
The task force unveiled a sample memorandum of understanding (MOU) to improve communication and coordination between campuses and local law enforcement. The draft agreement is meant to be used as a tool that institutions can use and adapt to strengthen collaborations, enhance prevention efforts, and address the needs and choices of survivors of sexual assault.
U.S. Senator Kristin Gillibrand (D-NY) commented that the while the task force developed a comprehensive and thoughtful MOU, the template may be moot.
"Colleges and universities are not compelled to adopt the type of arrangement the task force has recommended," Gillibrand told Politico’s Morning Education. In the last Congress, the Gillibrand co-sponsored the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, which would mandate such agreements to help police collaboratively combat sexual assault. Until Congress passes the bill, she said, "the incentives will favor silence over action."
Related Links
White House Press Release
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/01/26/marking-first-anniversary-white-house-task-force-protect-students-sexual-assault
Politico's Morning Education
http://www.politico.com/morningeducation/0115/morningeducation16875.html