Back to school is a busy time for students, thinking about class schedules, housing, and assignments. One thing they shouldn’t have to worry about is their safety on school grounds. Both students and staff should know how to report suspicious behavior and crimes on campus. Campus safety is everyone’s responsibility.
What is the Clery Act?
In 1990, Congress enacted the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990. Its purpose was to make sure that campus crimes were reported. The Act was amended and renamed the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (commonly referred to as the Clery Act) in 1998 in memory of Jeanne Clery, a coed who was raped and murdered in her college dorm in 1986 by another student.
Does my institution comply with Clery Act regulations?
The Clery Act requires that all public and private postsecondary institutions receiving Federal financial aid disclose campus security information and crime statistics to the public. There are a few steps college and universities must follow to ensure Clery Act compliance:
Collect crime reports and publish an Annual Security Report (ASR) that contains Clery Act crime statistics for the three most recent years, as well as safety procedures.
Maintain alert systems: timely warnings and emergency notifications.
Disclose certain policies related to fire safety, missing students, domestic violence, student stalking, and more.
What are Clery Act crimes?
The ASR must contain information on four categories:
- Criminal offenses
- Hate crimes
- Arrests and referrals for disciplinary action
- VAWA Crimes (Violence Against Women Act Crimes)
If an institution has its own campus security or police, a daily crime log must be kept and made available to the public.
What happens when a crime is reported?
When a student or staff member reports that they have been a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, etc., the school must provide a written notification that includes information on evidence preservation and confidentiality, the victim’s options regarding involvement of police or campus authorities, the victim’s rights and the school’s responsibilities, and much more.
When it comes to campus safety, a failing grade isn’t an option. Schools should be safe places for students to learn, grow, and thrive.
How can we help? QuickSeries offers a suite of education products to help institutions of higher learning understand, implement, and comply with safety laws, including the Clery Act and Title IX. Contact an Account Manager today to discuss our products and get free samples.