‘Yes Means Yes’ Becoming Norm on New York Campuses
Administrative policy may be the new pillow talk on college campuses across New York.
A universal "affirmative consent" standard is now part of a sexual assault prevention policy adopted across the state's public university system. It spells out for students that only "yes" — not silence or a lack of resistance — is the cue for sexual activity.
The so-called "Yes Means Yes" standard could spread to private campuses next year through legislation favored by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as states face pressure to improve their handling of campus sexual assaults.
California adopted a similar measure and New Jersey and New Hampshire are considering them.
Supporters say it takes away a suspect's argument that their accuser never said no, and empowers students to talk about consent before engaging in sex.