Campus sexual assault has recently become the focus of extensive national attention and debate. Up until now, efforts by the government to combat this horrific crime have focused on campus disciplinary committees. Yet most Americans disagree with this approach and instead believe that campus sexual assault is a matter best handled by the criminal justice system—and for good reason. In cases where the accused student is guilty, the most these committees can do in expel someone who really belongs behind bars.

And in cases where the accused student is innocent, critical due process protections guaranteed by the Constitution are missing, running the risk of wrongful expulsion. Indeed, numerous lawsuits have been filed against schools over the last few years by students claiming to have been wrongfully expelled for an offense they did not commit.

Recently, the Safe Campus Act was introduced in the House of Representatives. The Safe Campus Act gives the criminal justice system the lead responsibility for investigating and adjudicating these cases, with a limited role for campus disciplinary committees.

The Safe Campus Act would treat these cases with the seriousness they deserve, bringing those who commit this crime to justice while protecting the innocent from false allegations and wrongful punishment. Please join us in calling on Congress to pass this crucial bill.