Texas Students’ Awareness and Attitudes Toward Senate Bill 212: Qualitative Exploration of Perceived Impact of Mandated Reporting of Sexual Misconduct

Texas Senate Bill (SB) 212 requires mandatory reporting of sexual misconduct to Title IX among all public university employees. While intended to promote survivor support and increase institutional accountability, evidence suggests that mandatory reporting laws may instead discourage disclosure of sexual misconduct and negatively impact survivors. We aimed to explore students’ opinions of SB 212 and the potential impact on reporting instances of sexual misconduct. We conducted focus groups and questionnaires among 26 students at a public university in Texas from July to September 2020. Student participants completed similar questionnaires prior to and after focus group discussions (FGDs). Questionnaires included SB 212 awareness and attitudes toward SB 212, and the impact of SB 212 on disclosing sexual misconduct. FGDs explored students’ perceptions of SB 212, perceptions of students’ risk of sexual misconduct at their university, and knowledge and perceptions of resources for sexual misconduct. Themes that emerged included limited SB 212 awareness, predominantly negative attitudes, and a disconnect between the intent and impact of SB 212, particularly concerns that it may deter disclosure. Findings emphasize that mandatory reporting policies aiming to improve public health need to be rolled out with increased awareness and education. Policy implications: Texas lawmakers should consider making some amendments with input of survivors to ensure that SB 212 benefits survivors of sexual misconduct and increases reporting. Universities should improve and diversify communication regarding policies related to mandated reporting and sexual misconduct.