HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 139

(By Delegates Pasdon, Espinosa, Rodighiero, Statler, Trecost and Upson)[Originating in the Committee on Education]

(March 11, 2015)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the policies regarding sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking at public colleges in the state.

            Whereas, It is important to the health and welfare of students to provide a safe environment on college campuses; and

            Whereas, Public colleges in the state have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for their students; and

            Whereas, When a violent act occurs on a college campus it is necessary to direct victims to necessary and appropriate resources and assistance; and

            Whereas, Federal law requires institutions of higher education to have policies regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and

            Whereas, Title IX outlines expectations for education, reporting, response, investigation and remedies associated with such offenses; and

            Whereas, It is vital that colleges comply with the requirements for protecting students from such offenses and providing safe campuses; and

            Whereas, In the unfortunate event of an occurrence, colleges must provide victims with the necessary resources, aide and support to ensure that they aren’t further victimized by the system and the aftereffects; and

            Whereas, It is necessary to evaluate the compliance of the public colleges in the state with the requirements for maintaining campuses that are free of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, and for providing appropriate and necessary resources, aide and support to victims; and

            Whereas, It is necessary to examine whether a need exists for additional campus policies regarding sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the policies regarding sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking at public colleges in the state; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2016, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.