Fresno State students to undergo training for 'yes means yes' law
A new California law requires students on state-funded college campuses to be verbally clear when it comes to sexual consent. It defines when "yes means yes."
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Most know the phrase "no means no" when it comes to preventing rape or sexual assault. Now, a new law in California known as "yes means yes" gets real specific when it comes to college students having sex.
"It stated clearly that you need to be clear with your message and open with your communication," Fresno State graduate student Isaac Reyna said.
Reyna has already completed a 45-minute online sexual abuse training that's now required of all Fresno State students. The training is part of the new law, which requires specific, verbal consent before and during each stage of sex on college campuses. It also states consent isn't possible if either person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
"Just because you're drinking doesn't mean you don't have a choice. You don't have to say 'yes.' You don't have to say 'no.' This means when you're drinking, it's automatically no," Fresno State student Sonia Romero said.
Critics say the law is confusing and puts too much blame on the person accused of a sexual assault. Proponents say the law pushes colleges to have clear procedures and help for victims.
"I think that there's a lot of controversy definitely over the different parts of the law because it is so specific to what a woman needs to consent to, but I also think a lot of it is necessary," Fresno State ASI Executive Vice President Abigail Hudson said.
On Tuesday, Fresno State President Joseph Castro and a Title IX law official will be speaking more on this new law.
All 23,000 Fresno State students must undergo training for the law by March, or they will not be able to register for fall classes.
