The Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act also known as The Clery Act is a Federal Law that requires all colleges and universities to publish information regarding crime on and around their campuses and is enforced by the United States Department of Education. All colleges and Universities, according to the Clery Act are required to do the following with regards to sexual assault: 

1) Publish an Annual Security Report; 
2) Disclose crime statistics for incidents that occur on campus, in unobstructed public areas immediately adjacent to or running through the campus and at certain non-campus facilities; 3) Issue timely warnings about Clery Act crimes which pose a serious or ongoing threat to students and employees; and 
4) Devise an emergency response, notification, and testing policy. 

The Clery Act was named and passed after Jeanne Clery, who was raped and murdered in her dorm room by a fellow student on April 5, 1986 at Lehigh University. After her incident it led to increased attention on unreported crimes on numerous college campuses across the country. Thus, 4 years later in 1990, the Clery Act was enacted by congress. Since the enactment of the Clery Act, it has been amended 5 times to ensure increased safety and reporting measures. 

All schools and universities in the United States of America that receive any federal funding, including student financial aid, apply to The Clery Act. 

The significance of the Clery act is critical as it aids in fostering safe campuses around the nation. Students have the right to receive education in an environment where they will not be harmed or harassed. As we continue to raise awareness on Campus Safety for the month of September, we encourage students, parents and teachers to have knowledge on student rights and how to help create and foster safe campuses. Student voices need to be heard too! 
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