Consent is BAE (Before Anything Else)
What Consent is:
Consent is when one person voluntarily acknowledges and is in agreement to participate in a sexual activity. All participants Every participant involved in sexual activity must obtain and give consent before every sexual act. Consent is an informed, voluntary, and active agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent must be:
- Informed: The individuals understand the sexual activity they are agreeing to;.
- Voluntary: The individuals agree to the activity freely and without coercion, intimidation, or force; and
- Active: The individuals communicate their agreement to engage in the activity through affirmative words and/or actions. Consent cannot be assumed.
- Revocable: Consent given on one occasion doesn’t justify consent for future sexual activity. Consent may be given and withdrawn at any point, regardless of the relationship
What Consent is not:
The following do not constitute consent:
- Silence
- Passivity
- Lack of protest or resistance
- The absence of “No”
Under Iowa law the following people are unable to give consent:
- Persons who are asleep or unconscious
- Persons who are incapacitated due to the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication
- Persons who are unable to communicate consent due to a mental or physical condition
Know The Code
- You can find additional information about Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment here.
- For more detailed information about consent please consult Procedures, Applications, and Guidance: Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence Involving Students by following this link.
- Iowa State University's Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence Involving Students Policy can be found here.
Make the Request to Us - The Office of Equal Opportunity
Make the request directly to our office, by using this form, to engage in trainings and discussions around the concept of consent.