Education
Liberty University Fined $14 Million, Largest Clery Act Fine Ever
Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes
Liberty University Fined $14 Million for Clery Act Violations
Liberty University, a well-known Christian institution in Virginia, has been hit with a record-breaking $14 million fine for violating the federal Clery Act. This is the largest fine ever imposed under the Act, which requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crimes on their campuses.
The fine was a result of Liberty’s failure to properly report crimes, particularly sexually based offenses such as rape, and its treatment of survivors of sexual assault. Despite marketing itself as having one of the safest campuses in the nation, the school had minimal oversight when it came to investigating and reporting crimes.
Federal investigators found cases of misclassification and underreporting of crimes, as well as instances where victims of sexual crimes were afraid to report due to fears of reprisal. These victims were often punished for violating the student code of conduct, creating a hostile environment for survivors.
In response to the fine, Liberty University has stated its commitment to maintaining safety and security on campus. The school claims to have made significant improvements to comply with the Clery Act since 2022, despite disagreeing with the Department of Education’s methods and calculations.
This announcement comes following Liberty’s split with former president Jerry Falwell Jr., who left amidst controversies surrounding his handling of sexual assault cases and the overall safety of the campus. Clery Act violations are more than just financial penalties – they also impact the public perception of an institution’s dedication to student safety.
As Liberty University works to move forward from this scandal, it remains to be seen how the school will address the issues raised by the Clery Act violations and rebuild its reputation as a safe and welcoming environment for all students.