Lawmakers want more transparency in U of M sexual misconduct reporting

In the wake of sexual misconduct cases at the University of Minnesota, lawmakers are calling for better reporting and more transparency.

Sponsored by Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth), HF2669, aims to keep the Legislature up to date on any sexual harassment incidents at the university.

Approved by the House Higher Education and Career Readiness Policy and Finance Committee Wednesday, it now moves on to House Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Committee. The companion, SF2534, awaits action by the Senate Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee. Sen. Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) is the sponsor.

Rep. Sarah Anderson

“I think that having graduated from the U of M, I take great pride in the institution and I want to make sure that we can still hold it up as a shining star of our state, and so I think that this is an important issue that we need to address on the state level,” Anderson said. 

Since the bill was originally introduced last session, the Office of the Legislative Auditor conducted a review of all sexual harassment policies and procedures at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and found that it has recently adopted policies that satisfy major state and federal requirements. However, the report also offered suggestions for improvements.  

Based on those findings, Anderson said she would amend HF2669 to require the Board of Regents to submit an annual report to the Legislature. The report would need to include data on sexual assault and harassment incidents.

The forthcoming amendment will also request that the Board of Regents amend sexual misconduct policies to include an appeals process for accused university employees and their victims through the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL-Duluth) asked what the Legislature should do with the information it receives through the Board of Regents’ reports, particularly if they feel that there are too many incidents occurring.

“So would you envision … funding the university to help address the problem, or funding education programs or prevention programs,” she asked.

Anderson said there is not yet a definitive plan for handling the information, but emphasized it is important for the Legislature to stay informed and to keep the conversation going.

“I’m continuing the conversations that I’m having with the university on this issue to see if there is a legislative approach to this, if not, can we take care of it through the university system itself,” she said. “I’m not one that feels that everything needs to have the law behind it, but I do think that this lends it to having a freer conversation about the issue.”