New York state leaders have reached a deal to impose a new campus sexual assault policy on private colleges and universities. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the deal Tuesday after negotiating the details with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Leader John Flanagan.
The policy includes a "yes means yes" definition of sexual consent requiring a clear, affirmative agreement between partners. It also creates a victim's bill of rights and boosts training for law enforcement, students and administrators.
The policy was implemented at public colleges last year. Expanding it to cover private universities was a top priority for Cuomo, who enlisted the support of student groups, pop artist Lady Gaga, and U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to urge passage of the measure.
The bill awaits formal approval in the Legislature.
(C) 2015 AP
