Washington D.C. – In a bipartisan effort, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has collaborated with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and a group of their colleagues to introduce the Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Act. The legislation aims to establish safeguards for survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment at the United States Coast Guard Academy (CGA) and within the broader Coast Guard.
The proposed act specifically requires the Coast Guard to implement a safe-to-report policy, designed to protect servicemembers and cadets from potential repercussions for minor infractions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice when reporting incidents of sexual abuse. Senator Britt emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment at the Coast Guard Academy, aligning it with the standards set for other military service academies.
Senator Blumenthal echoed the call to action, emphasizing the need for overdue protections for survivors who come forward against their attackers. The legislation is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that survivors are supported in their pursuit of justice and healing, without fear of reprisals.
The bipartisan nature of this initiative is underscored by the involvement of Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who joined Senators Britt and Blumenthal in introducing the bill. Complementary legislation in the House of Representatives, led by U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), further reinforces the bipartisan commitment to addressing this issue.
The background information provided highlights the recent establishment of a safe-to-report policy by the Coast Guard, emphasizing that while it represents progress, the Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Act takes additional steps to ensure comprehensive safeguards for members of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy cadets experiencing sexual harassment. By making the safe-to-report policy a statutory requirement, the legislation aligns the Coast Guard with other military services that implemented similar policies in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2021.
Crucially, the Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Act ensures that survivors cannot be punished for certain minor offenses, such as drinking or violating curfew, when reporting cases of sexual abuse. This provision is aimed at fostering an environment where survivors feel supported and can come forward without fear of unjust consequences.
