Currently all faculty and staff on TN colleges and universities are required to report a known rape to the police- even without the victims cooperation or desire. The completely infringes on victim's rights and actually discourages them to seek help or to talk to ANYONE about their assault.
Right now, today, there is an amendment to the current law stating that university faculty and staff are required to give a rape victim RESOURCES but not force him/her to report or to report behind his/her back.
 
So- want to help students and help yourself at the same time? Currently Ward Crutchfield- State Senator from Chattanooga is the major opponent to this amendment. PLEASE call him right now. they will not be back in session until later this afternoon.
His #  in Nashville is 615-741-6682.
 
I am happy to answer any questions about this you may have. I have posted below links to the original legislation. On the surface it seems to make sense that all rapes SHOULD be reported and victims would be safer if we just took care of it for them. But unfortunately here at UTC as well as many other universities, victims are not coming forward and are intimidated by the idea that their rape would be investigated, that it would bring upheaval to their lives and the lives of their friends. But if a student can not talk to you or other faculty/staff than he or she may never get the counseling resources that are available to vicitms and may continue to suffer in silence.
 
 
www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_49771.asp
www.securityoncampus.org/reporters/releases/02252004.html
 

SB0811 Burchett / HB 1542 Hargrove - Reporting of Rape on College Campus

 

This bill amends T.C.A. 49-17-129 to delete references to "rape" and also amends T.C.A. 49-7-2207 to provide an exception in the case of sexual assault where the victim does not want to report the crime.

 

Why this bill is needed:  These two laws currently conflict with federal law.  The Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g, prohibits disclosure of such information related to a student (including a student victim of sexual assault) to law enforcement.  In addition, University staff believe that students are more reluctant to seek assistance and services after a sexual assault if they know that the sexual assault will be reported to the police.  

 
Janet E. Cavett
UTC- Transformation Project
University Center Room 334
423-425-5605