With about six weeks left until Election Day, one Pennsylvania attorney general candidate is ramping up to end sexual assaults on college campuses.
“As a father of four, [sexual assault] is something I have to worry about,” said Josh Shapiro, during a conference call with Pennsylvania college media members Thursday. “On Day 1, you can rest assured that my office will reach out to these institutions.”
For Shapiro, battling sexual assault at college campuses begins with his six-point plan, which centers around educating students and sexual-assault first responders, creating a “consent culture” and accountability.
Shapiro says that sexual-assault offenders are not the only ones responsible for perpetrating rape culture.
“Administrators need to be held accountable if they non-disclose,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro also expressed his interest in making campus safe spaces more private and comforting.
“A victim shouldn’t have to feel like a victim a second time,“ Shapiro said. “I would encourage any institution to let students access comfort and treatment in the most private manner possible.”
Shapiro also discussed his intention to keep Pennsylvania’s air and water clean.
“You have a right to clean air and water,” Shapiro said. “It is in the Pennsylvania state constitution. If someone is going to pollute Pennsylvania and violate the Pennsylvania constitution they will be held accountable.”
In order to prevent further harm to Pennsylvania’s air and water, Shapiro wants tougher punishments for environmental polluters.
“We need to be tougher on repeat offenders. They can’t think that paying fines is just the cost of doing business,” Shapiro said. “They need to know if they keep polluting that we’re going to put them out of business.”
Shapiro currently serves as a representative for the 153th district in the Pennsylvania House.
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