Why it matters:
Compliance with the Clery Act is not just a legal obligation but a critical component of campus safety.
The stakes:
When campus leaders sign the Title IV4 student financial assistance program participation agreement, they certify their compliance with the Clery Act. This federal law, named after Jeanne Clery,5 who was raped and murdered on her college campus in 1986, mandates transparent campus safety policies and the publication of crime statistics to protect students and employees.
Cost of failure:
Too often, college leaders are unaware of the risks involved with noncompliance. Liberty University’s record $14 million fine earlier this year underscores those risks. Liberty’s leadership acted as a barrier to compliance, endangering their campus community, and the resulting fine and media scrutiny caused immeasurable reputational damage.
Common pitfalls:
Lack of Resources: Institutions often lack qualified staff and effective internal controls to meet Clery Act requirements.
Training Deficits: Practitioners frequently need more training and resources to effectively implement the Act's mandates.
Risks of noncompliance:
Safety: Uninformed students and staff can't access essential safety resources, increasing their vulnerability.
Financial: Institutions face fines of up to $69,733 per Clery Act violation.
Reputation: Noncompliance leads to public scrutiny, potentially affecting enrollment and trust.
What leaders can do:
Educate Yourself: Understand how Clery Act requirements impact campus policies, especially in light of new Title IX regulations. Recognize how these policies prepare your community for various threats and support survivors of violence.
Support Your Team: Engage with those responsible for Clery Act compliance on your campus. Address their needs and conc