It’s only natural that a women’s rights issue would be addressed at the “Women for Hillary” event held today in Cedar Falls, Iowa. For the first time since the start of her presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton spoke out against campus sexual assault. “It is not enough to condemn campus sexual assault,” she said. “We need to end campus sexual assault.” Her proposal is intended to continue the work started by President Obama through the “It’s On Us” campaign, which began in September of last year. “It’s On Us” is a movement for everyone–particularly men–to take responsibility for preventing sexual violence on campus.
Though she did not go into detail about her plans, she discussed three major points of her proposal. The first is to create and improve existing resources for survivors of sexual assault. “As president, I’ll fight to make sure every campus offers every survivor the support she needs and will make sure those services are comprehensive, confidential and coordinated,” Clinton said. The second is to reconsider and place greater emphasis on disciplinary proceedings for those accused of assault. Lastly, Clinton discussed implementing more violence prevention programs and beginning these programs earlier on in education.
“To every survivor of sexual assault,” she said, “you have the right to be heard. You have the right to be believed. We’re with you.” Regardless of the outcome of the 2016 election, we hope Hillary stands by this plan!