Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is calling on universities within the commonwealth to rigorously review their policies against sexual assault and harassment within 90 days. 

Beshear is asking university officials to consider if campus policies against sexual violence ensure students are protected and feel safe. As part of the review, universities should at a minimum review awareness campaigns, access to resources, reporting steps and more. 

“My request is not suggesting any Kentucky institution has failed in this area,” Beshear said in a Wednesday press conference. “We should always be looking for ways to improve and to do better. We must be proactive and intentional when it comes to sexual violence. This is how we ensure Kentucky students are safe and that they feel safe.” 

Beshear said his office reached out to universities and colleges in Kentucky before making the announcement. 

“The responses have been encouraging, understanding that this moment requires more and the willingness to do that rigorous review to make sure if there is anything else we can and should be doing to protect our college students, that those policies are put into place,” he added. 

The move comes after a former Cornell University student filed a lawsuit in September alleging she was gang raped after being coerced into consuming drugs in 2024 by men in a fraternity house. 

Beshear said he also requests that the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, which oversees the state’s public universities, ensure that university board members are educated on policies and procedures against sexual harassment. That includes best practices on reporting and conducting investigations. 

Last week, Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore asked a state agency there to review policies against sexual assault on campuses. 

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