The state of California passed SB 967 on September 28, 2014. This is the first law in the U.S. to say that “Yes Means Yes.” Under this law, affirmative consent is required for sexual activities between two persons, and a lack of negative consent does not mean that consent is given.

The state of Connecticut needs to develop and pass a law similar to California’s “Yes Means Yes” law because no student should have to live in fear of becoming a victim of sexual assault while trying to obtain his or her education.

Such a law would hold our universities accountable for protecting their students through various prevention and training methods, while providing a means of justice for our communities.

Sexual assault should not be a fear for anyone in this state, please push for legislation that will stop these fears.