ONE THAT RESPECTS DUE PROCESS RIGHTS, EVEN: An alternative to Congress’ campus sexual assault bill could be coming.

An anti-domestic violence organization has drafted legislation that would ensure the proper authorities – law enforcement – handle sexual assault accusations and not college administrators.

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments, which bills itself as “a victim-advocacy organization working for legal reform,” first drafted its legislation a couple months ago in response to the Obama administration’s “Dear Colleague” letter forcing colleges and universities to implement new rape-prevention measures. The organization has edited their draft since then in response to new federal regulations and feedback from congressional offices.

The latest draft includes mandatory sexual assault prevention training for new students during college orientation, interim protection measures for accusers (such as counseling and changes in classes to remove accusers from situations where they feel threatened) and extra accountability through statistical reporting. . . .

“All allegations of campus criminal sexual assault that are brought to the attention of campus security or the campus disciplinary committee shall be immediately reported and referred by the personnel or committee to local law enforcement officials,” the draft says. “Exclusive jurisdiction for investigation and adjudication of the complaint shall reside with local criminal justice authorities.”

The SOS Act — not to be confused with the SOS Campus Act, which has already been introduced — also requires universities to treat acquitted students with respect and provide confidentiality.

“Absent a criminal plea agreement or verdict of guilt, colleges and universities shall respect and maintain the presumption of innocence with regards to the accused,” the draft says. “The accused shall enjoy the same confidentiality and privacy protections as the identified victim.”

This seems much fairer.