A new bill introduced into the California state Senate would add reporting requirements at higher education campuses like Fresno State, where regulators found the administration had mishandled many sexual misconduct cases.
State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, on Thursday announced Senate Bill 1166 , which he said was meant to add oversight through investigations at California State University campuses, the University of California system and community colleges.
Fresno State for several years has been dealing with a string of incidents involving allegations of sexual harassment and Title IX violations. Many of the complaints surrounded a slow response or mishandling of harassment reports by university officials.
Dodd’s announcement also pointed to colleges in his district, Sonoma State and California Maritime Academy, where violence and harassment has been an issue.
“Right now, we have deficient standards and transparency in the investigation and reporting process, and there’s a serious lack of consistency and accountability from those in charge,” Dodd said in a statement. “My bill will incorporate key recommendations from the auditor’s report to create meaningful systemic and cultural change.”