Contact: Rebecca Stewart
Telephone: 513-479-3335
Email: info@saveservices.org
Recalling Campus Kangaroo Courts,
Hartford Sex Hearing Marred by Actions of Lawmakers and Staffers
WASHINGTON / February 18, 2020 – A February 13 hearing designed to elicit public comment on a bill regarding campus sexual assault was marred by unprofessional behavior exhibited by several lawmakers and staffers. Convened by the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, the hearing aimed to obtain public input into the proposed Act Concerning Sexual Misconduct on College Campuses, SB 19 (1).
Several representatives of Connecticut colleges testified in opposition to the bill, saying it duplicated existing university policies and removed their flexibility to address unique circumstances (2).
The SAVE witness highlighted recent judicial decisions against Yale, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, and the University of Connecticut, suggesting that “Connecticut may be the worst state in the nation for campus fairness.” SAVE noted the opinion of federal Judge Michael Shea who wrote, “UConn’s procedures for investigating alleged misconduct and imposing discipline are so one-sided that the accused was denied an opportunity to present a meaningful defense.”
The SAVE representative acknowledged that sexual misconduct is a major problem on Connecticut campuses but concluded, “SB 19 would trample on fairness, and perpetuate campus Kangaroo Courts. It is not the answer to a serious issue plaguing Connecticut’s higher educational system.”
Although she was one of the first to sign up to testify, when she was finally allowed to deliver her testimony, only 30% of the Committee members were present. During the allotted 3-minute period, the timer prematurely sounded at roughly two minutes, distracting the presentation.
Upon completion of the testimony, one Committee member wondered out loud if the SAVE presenter represented a “misogynistic” group, a comment that was implausible on the surface since the SAVE witness was female.
In contrast, seeking a constructive bi-partisan solution to address campus sexual assault, a third Committee member posed thoughtful questions how Connecticut lawmakers can “get this right” as they propose legislation around this issue.
SAVE’s full testimony is available online (3). A video of the testimony is also available online, beginning at 2:31:10.
SAVE urges Connecticut legislators to assure future hearings are conducted in a professional and impartial manner, and to work so both identified victims and accused students are treated in a respectful and professional manner in campus proceedings.
Citations:
- https://www.cga.ct.gov/2020/TOB/s/pdf/2020SB-00019-R00-SB.PDF
- https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/College-sexual-misconduct-bill-draws-opposition-15054967.php
- http://www.saveservices.org/2020/02/save-testimony-in-opposition-to-connecticut-bill-sb-19/
- http://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=17152
SAVE – Stop Abusive and Violent Environments – is leading the national policy movement for campus fairness, due process, and the presumption of innocence.