Congresswoman Lee Backs Legislation to HALT Campus Sexual Assault
Berkeley, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement following the re-introduction of the HALT on Campus Sexual Assault Act:
“Campus sexual assault is an epidemic plaguing higher education. It’s estimated that one in five women will be the victim of sexual assault or an attempted assault during her college career. This is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable.
I am proud to serve the people of the 13th district, which includes the University of California – Berkeley. I’ve met with students and survivors and they are standing up to tell their stories and demand action.
Congress should honor their courage by taking immediate action to end this epidemic. The HALT Act, which I am proud to support, will strengthen prevention and enforcement efforts, bring greater transparency and accountability, and ensure that cases are properly investigated.
Our students have the right to learn without fear. Congress must do more to create safe campuses, protect students and support survivors. We can do that by passing the HALT Act, now.”
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.