As part of a $1 million lawsuit settlement, New Mexico State University has announced students will be required to complete consent and sexual assault training at the start of every academic year, according to a report from Source NM.
The settlement follows a civil lawsuit filed in 2024 by a New Mexico State University student who said she was raped in her dorm room in 2022. After reporting the incident, the student claims the university failed to take her report seriously and did not complete an investigation for more than an entire school year. Additionally, in September 2022, the Third Judicial District Court granted the student a temporary restraining order against her perpetuator, and later made the order effective for 40 years, beginning in January 2023. However, the student stated the university failed to take steps to enforce the order of protection on campus.
Although state prosecutors ultimately charged the alleged perpetrator for three counts of criminal sexual penetration against the student, a jury in July 2024 found him not guilty on all three counts.
Beginning this semester and every year going forward, New Mexico State University will require all students to complete mandatory consent and sexual assault training through the RespectEdu for College course. The training will cover topics such as building and maintaining healthy relationships, understanding consent and respect, and bystander intervention. According to university officials, students who do not complete the required course may be prohibited from registering for classes.