California debates ‘yes means yes’ sex assault law

Lawmakers in California are considering a first-in-the-nation measure that would require universities that receive public funds for student financial assistance to set a standard defining consensual sex.

Legislation passed by California’s state Senate in May and coming before the Assembly this month would require schools to set a so-called “affirmative consent standard” that could be used in investigating sexual assault allegations.

Several state legislatures, including Texas, have introduced bills to push colleges to do more after a White House task force reported that one in five female college students is a victim of sexual assault. But no state legislation has gone as far as California’s bill in requiring a consent standard.

Critics say the state is overstepping its bounds, and some fear navigating the murky waters of consent spells trouble for universities.