US national university administrators' ass'n lobbies against mandatory reporting of sexual assault complaints

Article  here. No conflict of interest here. Nope. Excerpt:

'As elected state leaders deliberate on proposed legislation that would change how professionals work to address sexual assault and gender-based violence at our colleges and universities, it is critical for higher education professionals and victim advocates to raise our voices and ensure the safety and well-being of our students and campus communities.  In an open letter to elected leaders across the United States, NASPA and its joining associations and organizations share deep concern with bills pending before at least nine state legislatures:  Iowa, Virginia, Texas, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, California, South Carolina, and North Dakota.

In some states, proposed legislation would require colleges and universities to refer all reports of sexual assault the institution receives from victims to local law enforcement, essentially turning all reports of sexual assault to the university into a report to law enforcement. If enacted, state lawmakers would place campuses in conflict with certain provisions of federal laws, including Title IX, the Clery Act, and the Violence Against Women Act.  Mandatory referral requirements would obstruct a victims’ right to an equal educational environment by increasing the likelihood that victims who do not want to report to law enforcement will not report to anyone and thereby be unable to access their federally protected rights.  These bills would make it more difficult for victims to access the full range of reporting options guaranteed under federal law by restricting confidentiality in the reporting process, as well as perpetuating stereotypical and discriminatory attitudes towards victims.'

Also see First, Do No Harm.