Since 1990, the “Clery Act”* requires colleges and universities to disclose campus crime statistics.

This is a federal law that colleges and universities receiving federal money must compile, publish and distribute an annual report on criminal offenses that are reported on campus. Sexual offenses are included in these criminal offenses.

The U.S. Department of Education collects and disseminates the statistics and can levy fines against institutions that are not in compliance. The requirements apply to most colleges and universities whether public or private.

The law provides specifics requirements that govern the collection, publishing and dissemination of campus security policies and crime statistics. There are also guidelines for the protection of victims’ rights and information about the consequences of non-compliance.

The law was originally passed in 1990, but was amended in 1992, 1998, 2000 and 2003.

For more information and a complete overview of the Clery Act and its impact on institutions of higher learning or to review published crime statistics for your campus, please visit:

http://www.securityoncampus.org

* The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is named after Jeanne Clery, a 19 year old college student who was raped and murdered in her dormitory at Lehigh University in 1986. It was originally called the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990.