New Sexual Misconduct Policy Issued At Johns Hopkins Univ.
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Sexual assault accusations and a federal investigation into the response are two things Johns Hopkins University has dealt with in the past. But tonight the university president says they have made changes to combat sexual violence on the campus.
WJZ's Marcus Washington has more.
From Johns Hopkins University to all college and university campuses across the country, sexual assault has been an issue for years.
And at Johns Hopkins and 100 other schools, facing the heat from federal investigations on how the schools responded to sexual assault claims.
Now, a new sexual misconduct policy issued at the Baltimore City university to students returning to campus.
"I know they sent us a long PDF and it was pretty much saying they're definitely taking more precautions to take us feel safe after everything that has been happening here," said Gina D'Addario, JHU freshman.
According to Johns Hopkins University, this policy change comes from feedback from the university community; people wanting a single policy, something to better understand, access and navigate.
The policy not only include previously existing procedures, but also expands the definition of consent to included it cannot be given by anyone who is unconscious, asleep or unable to make a rational decision.
"We know that whenever there is a problem, we're going to be safe," D'Addario said.
Many students say that to go along with new policies they keep in mind the conversations they've had before coming to school.
Marcus: "Do your parents talk to you about what to do or not to do to avoid situations of sexual misconduct?
"My dad made it really clear that when I am partying with friends, to be responsible, no means no and use common sense," said Cameron White, a freshman at the university.
Cases involving faculty and staff will continue to be resolved at the school and included an investigation by the university's Office of Institutional Equity.