Senate Committees Review College Campus Public Safety Measures

ATLANTA (February 5, 2016)  |  Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford) and Sen. Fran Miller (R – Atlanta) held a joint meeting of the Senate Health and Human Services and Higher Education committees on Wednesday, February 3. The senators serve as the respective chairs of the two committees. During the joint meeting, representatives from the University System of Georgia presented information about new and continuing public safety initiatives on state college campuses.

“We must remain vigilant about upholding the highest standards of safety for Georgia’s college campuses,” said Sen. Unterman. “I am pleased to see our schools working closely with local law enforcement and community groups to ensure the protection and well-being of those who work and study at these institutions.”

Members of the two Senate committees were presented information about how overall safety has improved among all campuses within the University of Georgia System and Georgia’s independent colleges. New public safety polices have recently been implemented on the 29 educational campuses within the system, and all are subject to further review, development or revision at any time. The University System of Georgia is also currently developing core curriculums and training processes for the continued improvement of safety. Many of the new procedures were put into effect in order to remain Title IX compliant, with recommendations coming from Title IX coordinators working within the University System of Georgia.

The Senate Health and Human Services and Higher Education Committees will continue to monitor public safety practices on Georgia’s college and university campuses throughout 2016. Legislation may be considered in the future to ensure the continued safety of students and employees.

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For Immediate Release:
February 5, 2016

For Information Contact:

Jennifer Yarber, Director
Jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028