West Palm Beach, Fla. – During a press event on Saturday, Rep. Lois Frankel (D‑FL) announced the introduction of the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at strengthening protections against sexual assault and harassment on college campuses nationwide.

Key provisions of the bill

The legislation outlines three core requirements for higher‑education institutions:

• Transparency: Colleges would be mandated to disclose their sexual misconduct policies, reporting procedures, and related statistics to students and the public.
• Support services: Survivors of sexual misconduct would gain access to confidential, trained specialists who can provide guidance and assistance.
• Federal resources: The bill would increase funding through the Violence Against Women Act Campus Grant Program, giving schools additional tools to prevent harassment and violence.

Frankel emphasized that these measures are “common sense protections” that should not hinge on the political party of the president or the administration of any university. “Colleges cannot protect their reputation at the expense of their students,” she said.

Local and national context

While the bill is being introduced at the federal level, the press conference highlighted its relevance to Florida’s own campuses. Frankel referenced a recent high‑profile case at Cornell University, describing the allegations as “horrifying” and noting that national data show sexual harassment and violence remain far too common in higher education.

Student advocates attending the event voiced strong support for the proposed legislation, arguing that clearer policies and dedicated support staff are essential for creating safe learning environments. The bipartisan nature of the bill reflects growing consensus across party lines that campus safety is a priority for families and communities.

Legislative outlook

The Campus Accountability and Safety Act will now be referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor, where it will be reviewed alongside other proposals addressing campus safety. If passed, the bill could set a new standard for transparency and survivor assistance at colleges and universities across the country.

Frankel’s office indicated that the legislation is expected to receive co‑sponsorship from members of both parties, underscoring the shared commitment to protecting students and upholding the values of traditional families and individual liberty.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.