Rallies Held To Push Lawmakers To Pass Affirmative Consent Law

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Fighting back against sexual assaults on college campuses. The issue is on the national stage and taking the forefront here in Maryland, where supporters are pushing for legislation to standardize the way schools handle assault cases.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the new push.

Monday night, advocates rallied in Annapolis to try and convince lawmakers to pass an affirmative consent law.

In the shadow of the State House, there's a call for tougher laws to protect students from campus sex assaults.

"I hear every day, every week, stories of survivors on my campus that have not been getting the treatment they deserve," said Johns Hopkins student Ella Rogers-Fett.

According to a recent study, 23% of undergraduate women will be the victim of unwanted sexual contact---along with five percent of undergraduate men.

Now, new legislation could make affirmative consent---otherwise known as "yes means yes"---the blanket policy for all Maryland schools.

"If we were to standardize, you would protect all students across the state," said Delegate Marice Morales.

Four Maryland colleges---Johns Hopkins, Morgan State, Frostburg State and St. Mary's College---have all faced Title IX investigations for their handling of assault cases.

"It's really sad because your institution is supposed to protect you and you want to enter college where you feel safe," said University of Maryland student Nisa Hussain.

The rally comes just one day after Vice President Joe Biden sent a powerful message about campus sex assaults on the Oscars stage.

"Too many women and men on and off college campuses are still victims of sex abuse," Biden said.

He was followed by an emotional performance from Lady Gaga, surrounded by sexual assault survivors. It's all part of a new national campaign called "It's on us."

Advocates hope the national attention helps convince Maryland lawmakers to take action.

The "yes means yes" legislation goes in front of the House Judiciary Committee on March 8.

California has already passed similar legislation.