Ohio college administrators are under increasing pressure to keep staff and students safe from sexual assaults. Thursday, a group of Ohio college campus administrators traveled to Columbus for compliance training to prevent and report sexual violence. Wright State University vice president, Gary Dickstein, says the increased training comes after some highly publicized sexual assaults on U.S. campuses.
"There's been renewed attention on trying to make sure that all of our students are protected and safe on our campuses," says Dickstein.
Amy Golian at the state attorney general's office, says most college administrators must report sexual assaults and crimes to law enforcement.
"Unless you have a privilege exception that becomes aware of a felony, has an obligation to report that felony," says Golian.
Some campus personnel, health care counselors for instance, are exempt from reporting requirements. Golian says that gives students the option of involving police.
"That's up to the student, the student does not have to report the crime to campus law enforcement, to the local jurisdiction, that's a decision that rests with the student," says Golian.
Golian adds if a student doesn't want to report a sex crime, the university cannot force them. Tougher federal crime reporting requirements for colleges and universities took effect last year.