Stenger Discusses SUNY Sexual Assault Initiative

Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger says implementing a consistent policy dealing with sexual assault for the State University of New York should be useful in helping the system's 64 campuses address the issue.

Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced SUNY would put in place a uniform set of policies regarding sexual assault prevention and response.

Stenger says Binghamton's student code of conduct already includes key provisions suggested by the governor, including an "affirmative consent" rule pertaining to sexual activity.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program on Friday, Stenger said allegations of sexual assault often happen "when people have had too much to drink."

After an incident has happened, Stenger said the story of what really occurred becomes difficult to obtain because the recollections of those involved may not be good.

Stenger said it can be challenging to ascertain the facts of a case in which two people were alone in a room with no witnesses.

The Binghamton University president said the SUNY initiative should prompt parents to have conversations "a little more carefully" with their children about the issue of sexual assault.

The SUNY Board of Trustees passed a resolution to establish the new policies within 60 days.