Legislation like SB 808 is needed because there is systemic abuse and harassment happening at campuses across the CSU system. Unfortunately, despite existing Title IX requirements and protections, egregious allegations of sexual assault and harassment have been mishandled or swept under the rug by senior administrators at campuses across the CSU system.

More specifically, SB 808 would help protect CSU students by requiring the campus president and deputy chancellor to sign off or approve any sexual harassment settlements. In addition, SB 808 would require a report to the Legislature on the number of sexual harassment complaints lodged and the amount of time taken to complete the investigatory process with the disposition of those cases broken down by campus and the Office of the Chancellor. 

Lastly, SB 808 can help limit the egregious allegations of sexual harassment by prohibiting “retreat rights” for a campus president, provost, or senior administrator who has violated the Title IX policies. In other words, no contract for retreat rights shall be entered into on or after January 1, 2024, if the individual is found to have violated Title IX policies. Moreover, in instances where sexual assault or harassment do occur, SB 808 would make it so that they would not be allowed to be swept under the rug. 

Simply put, SB 808 increases protections for CSU students by increasing transparency and accountability in the California State University system.