Beshear calls on Kentucky universities to review sexual-violence and harassment policies within 90 days

Gov. Andy Beshear has asked colleges and universities across Kentucky to conduct a focused review of their policies addressing sexual assault and harassment, setting a deadline of 90 days and directing officials to examine whether existing procedures protect students and promote a sense of safety on campus.

In a statement referenced by Kentucky Lantern, Beshear said university leaders should rigorously evaluate how their campus policies work in practice, including whether students are protected and whether the school’s rules and response processes make students feel safe reporting or seeking help.

The governor’s request comes in the wake of litigation involving Cornell University, which prompted attention to how institutions design and enforce policies related to sexual violence and harassment. Kentucky Lantern reported that Beshear’s call is aimed at prompting Kentucky institutions to confirm their own policies meet students’ needs and expectations.

Beshear also urged universities to consider whether campus policies “ensure students are protected” and “feel safe,” according to the Kentucky Lantern report. The request directs universities to consider the adequacy of their current frameworks, including the policies themselves and how they address sexual assault and harassment.

As part of the 90-day review, the governor asked universities to consider taking a hard look at whether their rules establish clear protections and provide reliable pathways for students to report misconduct and receive an appropriate response. The statement, as described by Kentucky Lantern, frames the review as a way to ensure that policy language aligns with the real-world goal of protecting students.

The governor’s action places responsibility on institutional leadership, not law enforcement or courts, to examine internal campus standards and procedures. It also creates a near-term timeline for schools to document the results of their assessments and determine what changes, if any, are needed.

For students, the review could affect how campuses handle sexual-violence and harassment complaints, the materials students receive, and the confidence they have in the school’s processes. For university administrators, it adds another compliance and governance step during a period when colleges nationwide are scrutinized for the effectiveness of their oversight and response systems.

Kentucky Lantern’s report said Beshear is calling for universities to use the next 90 days to conduct that evaluation, with the expectation that institutions will consider whether their policies provide meaningful protection and safety for students facing sexual assault and harassment.