On Oct. 21, 2026 the California Department of Justice issued updated guidance to colleges, universities, local law enforcement and campus security across California, reaffirming the state’s protections against campus sexual assault and sexual harassment.
The DOJ’s letter says California law mandates protections beyond current federal rules; state law requires campuses to adopt safety measures, maintain policies and operational agreements with local law enforcement on sexual assault, hate crimes and violent crime, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity.
The DOJ cited research that more than 20% of students will have experienced sexual assault by the time they complete four or more years of college; it said more than half of campus sexual assaults occur in the first months of the academic year and most go unreported. The DOJ said LGBTQ+ students, low-income students, students with disabilities and other underrepresented groups face elevated risk.
The letter says colleges, universities and local law enforcement share an obligation to report, investigate and adjudicate reports of sexual violence; it encourages institutions to consult with counsel to ensure their policies and practices comply with state and federal law. The DOJ pointed readers to its campus sexual assault webpage for guidance and said its Victims’ Services Unit offers resources for crime victims and law enforcement in multiple languages. The office said individuals who wish to report an incident should contact their local law enforcement agency.
Attorney General said, "This is a moment of reckoning for how our society responds to sexual assault and for how campuses ensure a culture where accountability and dignity are the norm."
State
Rob Bonta
Attorney General · Democrat
Named 2 times in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
Sources & methodology
This report was written from the primary materials below. Links open at the original publisher.
California Attorney GeneralSee something we should correct? Read our corrections policy.