Every Voice Oregon Bill to Combat Campus Sexual Violence Signed by Governor
HB3456 “Relating to sexual misconduct at institutions of higher education,” which passed the Oregon Legislature with widespread, bi-partisan support in June received final signature from Governor Kotek
Tuesday, August 1
Salem, OR: On Tuesday August 1st, Oregon bill HB3456 “Relating to sexual misconduct at institutions of higher education” was signed into law by Governor Kotek. HB3456, which passed the Oregon Legislature on Friday, June 23rd, is the most recent legislative initiative aimed at addressing the epidemic of sexual violence at institutions of higher education in Oregon and passed the legislature with widespread, bipartisan support. The bill’s final vote in the legislature occurred on the 51st anniversary of groundbreaking civil rights law Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education.
Over the past two years, Every Voice Oregon student advocates across the state engaged their peers and met with stakeholders, experts, and legislators to draft what became HB3456. Every Voice Oregon was honored to work with Representative Annessa Hartman and Representative Mark Gamba, and more than a dozen co-sponsors. HB3456 received support from a broad coalition of experts and stakeholders including the Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force, the Oregon Alliance to End Violence Against Women, Oregon Student Association, AFT Oregon, the Oregon Department of Jusice and Voice for Survivors.
HB3456 enacts measures to combat sexual violence and support student survivors studying in Oregon. Specifically, HB3456:
Enacts the development of a campus climate survey to be administered biannually to all Oregon students to collect data on campus sexual violence, and establishes clear and transparent data reporting requirements for all institutions
Ensures amnesty protection for reporting parties and bystanders who violate school code of conduct at the time of the assault(s)
Requires all institutions to enter into a partnership with an organization that provides sexual violence services to ensure access to free counseling, advocacy services and health care for all students and employees
Requires the designation of a confidential advocate on each campus who may inform parties on options for reporting, available services and resources, and who can assist in coordinating supportive measures
Requires annual best-practice prevention and awareness training for all students and employees of the institution
The passage of this bill sends a clear message that the safety of students and student survivors studying in Oregon is paramount, urgent and a priority.
Words of Support
“I am beyond excited and proud of this bill,” said Peri Joy Long, recent college graduate and co-State Director for Every Voice Oregon. “As a confidential advocate [at my college], I have seen firsthand the positive impact these supportive measures can have on a survivor’s life. Thank you to all the legislators, advocates, and students who made this possible.”
“This bill is a fantastic step toward safer, more empowered college campuses in Oregon,” said Poppy Miller, college student and co-State Director for Every Voice Oregon. “I want to extend a huge thanks to Rep. Hartman and Rep. Gamba, as well as all our amazing cosponsors and community partners, for their passion and support for making Oregon campuses the best they can be for their students.”
“Making our communities safe and lifting up vulnerable and marginalized voices is one of the reasons I ran for office,” said Representative Annessa Hartman (D-Gladstone & Oregon City), the bill’s chief sponsor. “Sexual violence has no place in Oregon. Schools should be a safe place where students can learn and feel supported.”
The Every Voice Coalition (www.everyvoicecoalition.org) is a student, young alum and survivor-led organization working to pass student and survivor-written, survivor-centered legislation on the state level to prevent campus sexual violence and support survivors. Every Voice bills have been passed in seven states: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Illinois, Nevada, Connecticut, Maine and Hawaii. The Coalition is currently working in 15 states.
Media Contacts: national@everyvoicecoalition.org
