Senator: lack of policy on sexual assault troubling

Senator: lack of policy on sexual assault troubling

David Ryan Palmer

Editor-in-Chief

There is no definite policy in the state of Louisiana regarding sexual assault at Louisiana university campuses.

This from state Senator JP Morrell (D-New Orleans) in a press release issued Wednesday. Morrell, as chairman of the Senate Judiciary B Committee, requested a report from the Board of Regents about the state of policy about sexual assault and rape.

“I want to thank the Board of Regents and its affiliates for voluntarily responding to my request,” Morrell said. “The data we have received is a useful starting point. The report is lengthy, and will require a few days for my staff and I to thoroughly review,” the senator said.

“We anticipate that there will be follow up questions and that this is only the beginning of a very lengthy conversation.”

Locally, while there may not be a definitive statewide policy regarding campus sexual assault, McNeese State University Chief of Police Bob Spinks told the Contraband that his department is well versed in preventing, investigating and bringing to prosecution any felony crime that happens on campus, sexual assault or no.

“There’s both the basic training that occurs at the academy, and there’s ongoing in-service training – like the kind we had in the spring, where we invited sexual assault specialized nurses from Memorial Hospital for their expertise,” Spinks said.

In addition, Spinks, as well as others in his department, have experience in sexual assault cases.

“We have overseen for well over a decade a number of significant rape and sexual abuse cases,” Spinks said.

Senator Morrell’s request to the Board of Regents followed a nationwide survey completed by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri). The survey provided a detailed look at variations in policies and customs regarding sexual assault at colleges and universities in the nation.

“What is evident from a cursory glance of the report is that there is no definitive policy across all public universities in Louisiana, and that is unacceptable,” Morrell said.

“I appreciate that the systems are taking some proactive steps, such as a joint Title 9 seminar this November, but it will likely require legislation to direct focus, and specific responsibility, in crafting statewide policy.”

In the meantime, Chief Spinks stressed that a lack of statewide policy does not mean a relaxed attitude about sexual assault at McNeese.

“McNeese is one of the safest campuses in the state of Louisiana based on crime data. But it’s always critical for folks to be aware of their surroundings,” he said.



“We provide escort services at night (as staffing allows) for the benefit of the student body. Remember, if you see it or hear it, report it. Call us. Share that information with us.”