Advocates, lawmakers cheer sexual assault prevention bill

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A push to strengthen sexual assault policies at Minnesota colleges is moving through the Legislature.

Sexual assault is getting more attention as schools grapple with how to handle it. A 2013 University of Minnesota survey found about 3.5 percent of Minnesota college students reported being sexually assaulted in the past 12 months.

Some schools already have robust policies and resources for sexual assault victims. But Rep. Marion O'Neill wants her bill to put the best practices in place statewide. Advocacy groups and student leaders have rallied around the legislation.

The bill would require schools to give sexual assault prevention training to students shortly after they arrive on campus. Schools would also have to let students report sexual assault anonymously online.