May 12, 2015
Senator Peter Courtney
State Capitol Building, S-201
900 Court St. N.E.
Salem, OR 97301
House Speaker Tina Kotek
State Capitol Building, 269
900 Court St. N.E.
Salem, OR 97301
Dear President Courtney and Speaker Kotek,
I am writing in support of the adoption of House Bill 3476 and Senate Bill 759 two important pieces of
legislation that will serve our state well in addressing sexual violence on and off college and
university campuses and in supporting the victims of sexual violence.
House Bill 3476 establishes privilege in communications between survivors of sexual violence and
harassment and victim service providers. This bill will assure that those who seek services will have their
contact and communications with service providers kept confidential as described in the bill.
Senate Bill 759 requires all Oregon community colleges and public and private universities and colleges
to adopt protocols to serve the survivors of sexual assault by fully providing information for available
campus and community-based support services and resources, as well as written communications related
to a survivor’s legal options, campus disciplinary processes and campus confidentiality policies. The bill
also ensures that universities have the tools they need to address students who are perpetrators of sexual
violence.
Oregon State University is committed to create a campus environment free of sexual violence that rejects
all forms of sexual assault and holds members of the OSU community accountable to be more than
bystanders.
Oregon State University is expanding staffing in its Office of Equity and Inclusion to investigate and
resolve reports of sexual violence or harassment and to support survivors. As well, we have increased the
number of Sexual Assault Support Services counselors within our department of Counseling and
Psychological Services. This summer, the University will open an advocacy center to confidentially
provide a 24/7 destination for sexual violence survivors and others to navigate the services we offer.
Meanwhile, Oregon State has long maintained confidentiality policies to protect students’ personal health
and counseling records that exceed state and federal laws and ethical and professional guidelines.
Thank you for your legislative efforts to address sexual violence and support survivors.
Sincerely,

Edward J. Ray
President