Beshear calls on Kentucky colleges, universities to review harassment policies

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear is calling on Kentucky colleges and universities to conduct a rigorous review of their policies and practices surrounding sexual assault and harassment.

According to the governor’s office on Wednesday, the review is expected to take place over the next 90 days.

The announcement was shared during Wednesday’s Team Kentucky Update, which described what the process would look like. The governor’s office says universities and colleges “should, at minimum, review awareness campaigns, ease of access to resources, reporting steps, victim services and due process, bystander prevention, education on retaliation and resulting appropriate action.”

Officials say under the statute, the governor requested the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to use its authority to ensure members of university boards are educated in sexual harassment policies and procedures, including best practices related to reporting and conducting investigations.

“Every Kentuckian has the right to feel safe – and that includes college students on campuses throughout the commonwealth,” said Beshear. “Over the past month, much-needed conversations have taken place around disturbing events at university campuses nationwide. These conversations have demonstrated the importance of colleges and universities having stronger policies and protocols in place to combat sexual violence and protect students. By working together, we can create learning environments where everyone feels safe.”

Additional information on this process has not been released at this time.