AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine U.S. Sen. Susan Collins is calling on top brass at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to address the high rate of sexual assault and harassment reports at the school.
Collins presided over a Senate hearing on the issue.
“Let me be clear: Sexual assault is a heinous crime that must be eradicated in every corner of our society," Collins said.
Nearly one in five women attending the Academy reported being sexually assaulted last year, and six in ten reported being sexually harassed. Sen. Collins says that is unacceptable and pressed Academy leaders
on what they are doing to change the culture at the school.
Collins said she is particularly concerned that many midshipmen are afraid to report incidents for fear of retribution.
