In this episode, we examine the role of legislation in addressing campus sexual assault and protecting student survivors. From Title IX and the Clery Act to state-level reforms, we break down the key policies that shape how colleges respond to sexual violence. We explore how these laws have evolved, the gaps that still exist, and the ongoing debates around due process and survivor protections. Featuring insights from legal experts and advocates, this episode highlights the power of policy to create safer campuses—and the work still needed to ensure justice for all.

TW: Beyond 1 in 5 wants to acknowledge that this episode contains discussions of sexual assault, particularly in the context of college campuses. Some of the stories shared may be difficult to hear and may be triggering for survivors or those who have experienced trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you need to pause, step away, or skip this episode, that’s okay. You’re not alone, and support is available. If you or someone you know needs help, resources such as RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or online at rainn.org are available 24/7.

RESOURCES

Buzuvis, E. E. (2020). Title IX and official policy liability: Maximizing the law's potential to hold education institutions accountable for their responses to sexual misconduct. Okla. L. Rev., 73, 35

Clery Act of 1990, 20 U.S.C. § 1092(f) (1990).

Department of Education. US Department of Education. (2004). https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/202107-qa-titleix.pdf

Gregory, D. E., & Janosik, S. M. (2003). The effect of the Clery Act on campus judicial practices. Journal of College Student Development, 44(6), 763-778.

Griffin, V. W., Pelletier, D., Griffin, O. H., & Sloan, J. J. (2017). Campus sexual violence elimination act: Saving lives or saving face?. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 42, 401-425.

Jaffe, A. E., Cero, I., & DiLillo, D. (2021). The# MeToo movement and perceptions of sexual assault: College students’ recognition of sexual assault experiences over time. Psychology of violence, 11(2), 209.

Johnson, D. R., & Zhang, L. (2020). Examining the role of gender in educational policy formation: The case of campus sexual assault legislation, 2007–2017. Harvard Educational Review, 90(4), 617-643

Streng, T. K., & Kamimura, A. (2017). Perceptions of university policies to prevent sexual assault on campus among college students in the USA. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 14(2), 133-142

Sugiarto, A., Lee, C. W., & Huruta, A. D. (2022). A systematic review of the sustainable campus concept. Behavioral Sciences, 12(5), 130.

Suski, E. (2020). The Title IX Paradox. Calif. L. Rev., 108, 1147

Violence Against Women Act of 1994, 42 U.S.C. § 13925 (1994).