Alexandra Tashman: Bill could improve handling of campus sexual assaults

It seems like every couple of months a student files a complaint against his or her university for violating either Title IX or the Jeanne Clery Act, two laws meant to protect survivors of sexual assault. Within the state of California alone, students have filed complaints against Occidental College, USC and the University of California, […]

Alexandra Tashman: Progress made in sexual assault discussion

When I sat down to write my first column on sexual assault for the Daily Bruin nearly two years ago, I felt like I didn’t have enough material. There was only one program on campus that trained students to respond to sexual violence, or even discussed sexual violence at all – Campus Assault Resources & […]

Alexandra Tashman: Sexual assault bill redundant despite good intentions

In the wake of a number of federal complaints involving underreporting of sexual assaults on California college campuses, California State Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) introduced a bill Jan. 6 seeking to improve the way universities handle complaints by involving police officers early on in the process. Although the bill is well-intentioned, aiming to keep […]

Alexandra Tashman: Mental health bill threatens patient confidentiality

As anyone who has ever struggled with mental illness will tell you, fighting a battle against yourself can be both consuming and miserable. But a new proposed law, in an attempt to help, could make that battle even more challenging. A House of Representatives committee is currently considering the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis […]

Alexandra Tashman: Assault policies need student feedback

The greatest ally any perpetrator of sexual violence has is silence. By speaking out, survivors can make sure crimes don’t go unpunished and are less likely to be repeated. Last week, UCLA was chosen as one of four California public universities to undergo an audit approved in August by the California Joint Committee on Legislative […]