North Carolina Bill Would Add Protection For UNC Students Accused of Sexual Assault

House Bill 305 would provide due process guarantees that don't currently exist for UNC system students accused of sexual misconduct.

The News and Observer reports the bill was introduced last week by Rep. Mitchell Setzer, a Catawba County Republican.

It would require the UNC Board of Governors to adopt policies to ensure students are promptly notified when accused of sexual assault, and that they be told of their rights.

The bill would mandate impartial hearings, followed by written findings provided to both the complainant and the accused to allow for an appeal.

It raises the standard of proof to include “clear and convincing evidence.”

And it would limit the use of mandatory and long-term suspension or expulsion to “serious violations” of the code of conduct.

The Board of Governors has not commented on the legislation, which, if passed, would take effect October 1st.