Rep. Vargas Urges Measures to Further Protect Students from Sexual Assault
WASHINGTON, DC (February 5, 2014) – Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement after joining 38 other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the United States Department of Education regarding student sexual assault:
“Tragically, sexual harassment and assault continue to plague college campuses across the nation, devastating the lives of many students. I applaud the White House for establishing the Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, which targets the key challenges for this issue and facilitates stronger interagency coordination. To further expand upon the Administration’s efforts, my colleagues and I have requested that the United States Department of Education work to improve transparency of campus data, investigations, and enforcement actions, and provide additional guidance for responding to same-sex violence and gender identity discrimination.
“Our students deserve to attend institutions of higher learning without fear of their lives being shattered by sexual assault or harassment. It is crucial that we continue to fight for the safety of our students and ensure that all who have been victims of sexual assault or harassment receive the necessary services and support. ”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.