Politics
Beshear gives Kentucky colleges 90 days to review sexual violence protections
Gov. Andy Beshear is asking Kentucky colleges and universities to examine campus policies on sexual assault and harassment, including reporting procedures and access to support. The review comes after a former Cornell student sued over an alleged assault at a fraternity house.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is asking colleges and universities across the state to review their sexual assault and harassment policies within 90 days, with a focus on whether students are protected and know where to turn for help.
The review should cover campus awareness campaigns, access to resources and reporting procedures, among other policies, Beshear said at a Wednesday news conference. He also asked the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to ensure public university board members understand sexual harassment policies, reporting practices and investigation procedures.
Beshear said the request does not mean he believes any Kentucky institution has failed. Instead, he said, schools should look for ways to improve protections and help students feel safe. His office contacted colleges and universities before announcing the review, and he said their responses showed a willingness to examine whether more should be done.
The announcement follows a lawsuit filed in September by a former Cornell University student. The lawsuit alleges she was gang-raped in 2024 after men at a fraternity house coerced her into consuming drugs. The allegations have not been established in court.
Last week, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore also asked a state agency to review campus sexual assault policies following the Cornell case. Beshear’s request applies to Kentucky institutions and calls for both a review of student-facing protections and stronger familiarity with procedures among public university trustees.