Beshear calls on Kentucky colleges to review sexual assault policies within 90 days

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday called on colleges and universities in the state to review their sexual assault and harassment policies within 90 days.

The request comes just over one month after a sexual assault case at Cornell University, where several students are accused of assaulting a student during a fraternity party, reignited a national debate on how schools handle sexual violence.

“These conversations have demonstrated colleges and universities having stronger policies and protocols in place to combat sexual violence and to protect our students,” Beshear said.

Beshear said the request is not meant to suggest colleges did anything wrong, but to be proactive.

Students react to announcement

Hours after the announcement, WKYT went to the University of Kentucky’s campus to ask students how safe they feel.

“I feel like campus is pretty safe, especially if you’re with someone else, especially walking around on main parts of campus,” said UK freshman Elizabeth Ray.

“I’ve never felt unsafe at night. I think the unsafest I felt on campus is going into the 90 after they scored an 86 on their health inspection,” said UK freshman Cecily Holder.

Other students told WKYT reporter Jackson Plank they are not informed on the university’s policies on sexual assault and could not weigh in on Beshear’s decision.

Beshear said that gap is part of the problem, pointing to campuses nationwide where he said policies have fallen short.

What the review will cover

In his letter, Beshear lays out what the review should cover, from awareness and reporting to victim services and due process. He said he wants the findings made public.

The governor is also asking the state to ensure board members are trained on those policies.

In a statement, UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said the university has already made significant investments in prevention and education, pointing to required training, its VIP Center, Green Dot program and special victims’ unit.

Schools have until mid-January to finish the 90-day review.

Kentucky State University response

WKYT reached out to Kentucky State University about its sexual assault policy review. The university said it takes the safety and well-being of its students seriously and reviews its policies annually.

University staff and police met Wednesday morning to coordinate next steps and are working to provide the governor with a response guided by student safety and support for survivors.