Naval Academy to Begin Classes on Sexual Assault Prevention

Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis will begin lessons on sexual assault prevention starting this fall.

The announcement of the classes comes this week from the new commandant of the academy, Capt. Bill Byrne, who began his tenure this summer.

The academy has seen a number of high-profile sexual assault cases over the past few years. In June three Navy football players were accused of having sex with a female midshipmen after an off-campus party.

"My focus is prevention and maintaining a climate where victims of sexual assault feel safe coming forward, said class program manager, Commander Lyn Hammer. "We are committed to eliminating incidents of sexual assault, stressing that sexual assault has no place at the Naval Academy or the military or society at large."

The four-year curriculum includes more than 30 hours focusing on education on sexual harassment and assault, making it one of the most extensive in the country, Hammer said in a press release.