MINNEAPOLIS — Members of the Minnesota Student Association at the University of Minnesota are hoping to get state lawmakers to sponsor a bill which would require universities in the state to put a notation on a student's transcript if they are suspended or expelled for sexual misconduct.
"We want to make sure universities are distinguishing between bad grades and sexual assault," said Sam Parmekar, the State Government Coordinator for the MSA.
Right now it's a gray area, without any standard. A University of Minnesota spokesperson says when a student is suspended or expelled, the transcript notation indicates the "student may not register without permission from the Office for Community Standards." But it does not list the reason why. They say privacy concerns can make it hard to release specifics.
"We're just seeking to standardize that system, so it's very clear to each admissions office when a serious incident like a sexual assault has occurred," said Parmekar.
This comes after a recent survey found one in four undergraduate women at the U of M said they had been sexually assaulted.
"Unfortunately, that number has been pretty consistent for the past 30 years," said Katie Eichele, Director of the Aurora Center at the U, which helps sexual assault survivors. "The professionals in my field have always known this really is a public health crisis."
Eichele says the survey's findings aren't unique to the U of M, it's a pretty typical finding at colleges nationwide.
The University of Minnesota says when students apply to the U, they are required to check a box if they've ever been convicted of sexual misconduct. The admissions office then considers that as part of their "holistic approach" to reviewing applications.
The MSA would like to see a specific notation if a student is expelled or suspended for any of the following: sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking. They add that the student would be able to include a personal statement with their transcript, explaining their situation.
"It's a really important mechanism in order to ensure that all students are being protected on college campuses," said Gurty Johal, Sexual Assault Task Force Chair for the MSA.
The students have been talking with state lawmakers and say they hope to find someone to sponsor their bill.