Tuesday 9 June 2015

How Lady Gaga Is Fighting to Keep You Safe on Campus

How Lady Gaga Is Fighting to Keep You Safe on Campus

Lady Gaga says she lives for the applause, and we just found another reason to stand up and cheer for her. The ARTPOP singer is using her voice to help pass a bill in New York that will make all college campuses in the state safer when it comes to sexual assault.

As you know, there has been a lot in the news recently about sexual violence on campuses across the country. In New York alone, less than five percent of rapes on campus are reported to police. Because schools often fear bad publicity when it comes to this kind of news, they often handle assaults internally instead. That means that many offenders avoid jail time, etc. In fact, a 2010 investigation by the Center for Public Integrity found that only twenty-five percent of those responsible for sexual assault were permanently removed from campus. That's scary! And Lady Gaga also says that's unacceptable.

In a new op-ed piece[1] co-written with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, she shows her support for a proposed law that will protect all college students in the state—including the ones at private schools—against sexual assault.

So, what would it mean if the bill gets passed? First, there would be a statewide definition of affirmative consent so that everyone would be on the same page. Second, there would be a statewide amnesty policy that would grant immunity for certain campus policy violations—such as drugs or alcohol use—to students reporting incidents of sexual assault. Next, there would be a Sexual Violence Victim/Survivor Bill of Rights, which campuses would be required to give to all students. This would state that students can report sexual assaults to outside law enforcement, including the police. And last, there would be comprehensive training requirements for everyone at the school, including students and staff.

Gaga, who has revealed that she was sexually assaulted when she was 19, says in the op-ed that we all need to join forces on this issue.

"By passing legislation such as the bill currently before the New York State legislature, we can turn the tide on this issue so that students can realize their dreams on campuses that are safe spaces," the piece says. "That's why we are joining together to take a stand against sexual assault on college campuses. Quite simply, enough is enough."

Even if you don't live in New York, this bill could still influence other lawmakers in the country, including your state. Find out how you can join Governor Cuomo and Lady Gaga to support this bill by clicking here[2].

Related:
What You Need to Know About Campus Assaults[3]
Why This Student Brought a Mattress to Her Graduation[4]
This New Campus Assault Bill Will Change the Way Students Have Sex Forever[5]

Source : http://www.teenvogue.com/my-life/2015-06/lady-gaga-campus-sexual-assaults
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