New Jersey Assembly Bill A1911

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to impose a fine against an institution of higher education that fails to appropriately respond to a student's allegation of sexual assault by another student.

Impact

The bill would amend existing statutes related to the responsibilities of higher educational institutions, particularly in how they manage accusations of sexual misconduct within their communities. With this legislation in place, institutions would be incentivized to ensure that they have adequate protocols in place for dealing with such serious allegations, ultimately aiming to promote a safer campus environment for all students. The financial penalty serves as a deterrent against negligence or inadequate responses to allegations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1911 seeks to enhance the accountability of institutions of higher education in New Jersey regarding their handling of sexual assault allegations made by students. If enacted, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Higher Education to impose a fine of $10,000 on these institutions if they fail to properly respond to and investigate reports of sexual assault. This measure is advocated on the grounds of protecting student safety and ensuring that institutions take such allegations seriously.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A1911 may revolve around concerns regarding the potential burden on institutions, particularly smaller colleges that may struggle to meet the compliance requirements enacted by this bill. Critics may argue that the imposition of fines could lead to financial strain, which in turn could affect the resources available for educational and supportive services. Furthermore, debates could emerge about what constitutes an 'appropriate' response to allegations, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and protections for both alleged victims and accused individuals during investigations.