Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Richard Blumenthal, along with a bipartisan group of colleagues, have introduced the Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Act, a legislation aimed at protecting survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the United States Coast Guard. The bill would require the Coast Guard to implement a safe-to-report policy, ensuring that servicemembers and cadets are not punished for minor infractions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice when reporting incidents of sexual abuse.

Senator Katie Britt emphasized the importance of protecting survivors and providing a safe environment for all cadets at the Coast Guard Academy. She stated, "It's critical that the same standards and protections are in place at the Coast Guard Academy, so that perpetrators can be held accountable and survivors can get justice."

Senator Richard Blumenthal echoed this sentiment, stating, "Coast Guard survivors of sexual assault and harassment need and deserve safeguards—long overdue protections when they come forward against their attackers." He further emphasized the need to support survivors in their recovery and pursuit of justice.

The Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Act aims to hold the Coast Guard Academy accountable by enshrining safe-to-report policies and ensuring proper protections for survivors. The legislation has garnered bipartisan support, with Senators Ron Johnson, Chris Murphy, Marsha Blackburn, and Tammy Baldwin co-sponsoring the bill.

In the House of Representatives, U.S. Representative Joe Courtney has led complementary legislation with the Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Parity Act. This bipartisan effort reflects the urgent need to address the issue of sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard has recently faced criticism for its handling of sexual misconduct cases, with survivors expressing fear of retaliation and punishment when reporting incidents. The introduction of the Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Act aims to address these concerns and provide survivors with the necessary support and protections.

The full text of the bill can be found [here](link to the bill).

This legislation marks an important step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of Coast Guard members and cadets. It sends a clear message that sexual assault and harassment will not be tolerated within the Coast Guard, and that survivors will be supported in their pursuit of justice.