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Definition of Affirmative Consent

Verbatim Language:

“Affirmative consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity.  Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.”

Additional Mandatory Language That May Be Worded as Appropriate for Each Institution:

• Consent to any sexual act or prior consensual sexual activity between or with any party does not necessarily constitute consent to any other sexual act.
• Consent is required regardless of whether the person initiating the act is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Consent may be initially given but withdrawn at any time.
• Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated, which occurs when an individual lacks the ability to knowingly choose to participate in sexual activity. Incapacitation may be caused by the lack of consciousness or being asleep, being involuntarily restrained, or if an individual otherwise cannot consent.  Depending on the degree of intoxication, someone who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants may be incapacitated and therefore unable to consent.
• Consent cannot be given when it is the result of any coercion, intimidation, force, or threat of harm.
• When consent is withdrawn or can no longer be given, sexual activity must stop.

 

Select one: Definition of Affirmative Consent Policy for Alcohol Drug Amnesty in Sexual Violence Campus Climate Assessment Policy Students' Bill of Rights Sexual Violence Response Policy Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Viole Student Onboarding and Ongoing Education Guide Policies Main Page

Further resources may be found at the SUNY Sexual Violence Prevention Resources page and the SUNY Compliance Page Safety, Security, and Public Health.

A plain language explanation of the differences between the criminal justice process and the college disciplinary system.

Model MOU between Colleges and Rape Crisis Centers

Information on complying with the Violence Against Women Act and SUNY-created model policies may be found in the SUNY Office of General Counsel document Policy and Programming Changes Pursuant to the Campus SaVE Provisions of the Violence Against Women Act.