University of Minnesota Launches New Sexual Consent Policy

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Students returning to the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus for the start of classes next week will be educated on a new "affirmative sexual consent" policy.

The policy was adopted last month after student government leaders started pushing for the change last year. They argued that the former policy's description of "mutually understood" consent was too vague.

The new policy clarifies that people who are incapacitated by drugs or alcohol are incapable of giving consent.

School officials are taking the opportunity to brief students on the new policy as they move into the dorms, apartments and houses on or near campus.

Student groups will meet with Greek organizations and athletic teams on the policy, and messages will be sent to the entire student body.