11-private colleges and universities are now backing Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposal to require uniform protocols to prevent and respond to sexual assaults on campus.
"It's on every college campus. You can't leave it to the campuses to decide for themselves on a case by case basis what the answer is," said Governor Cuomo.
The Governor appeared at Syracuse University, one of the 11-schools supporting his bill. He told reporters too many schools continue to deny the problem.
"Because it's not really about that college campus. It's about the young people, and our culture and our system and that's why let's admit because you will never solve a problem you are unwilling to admit," stated Governor Cuomo.
Canisius College in Buffalo, Daemen in Amherst and St. Bonaventure in Olean are among the 11-colleges supporting Cuomo's bill.
The legislation would require the colleges and universities to implement measures already in place at SUNY schools. Victims would be informed of their right to report to campus police or local police. A federal investigation has revealed the high rate of campus sex assaults and many that go unreported.
The 11 schools are Syracuse University, Alfred University, Canisius College, Cazenovia College, The College of New Rochelle, Daemen College, Dowling College, Marist College, Paul Smith's College, St. Bonaventure University and St. Joseph's College.