Liberty University Fined $14 Million for Campus Safety Violations: Education Department Report
Introduction: Liberty University, a private Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia, has been fined a record $14 million by the Education Department for failing to comply with federal campus safety laws. The fine comes after a comprehensive review found systemic and persistent failures in the university’s handling of emergencies and reporting of crime statistics.
Overview of Findings: The Education Department’s report highlights multiple violations of the Clery Act, a federal law that mandates timely reporting of crime statistics and campus safety information. The review uncovered instances where Liberty failed to notify the campus community about emergencies, including bomb threats and attempted abductions. Additionally, the university was found to have inaccurately maintained its crime log during the review period spanning from 2016 to 2023.
Impact of Violations: The report paints a troubling picture of a campus culture where victims of sexual assault felt reluctant to come forward due to fear of repercussions. It noted cases where victims were punished for violating the university’s student code of conduct, known as ‘The Liberty Way,’ while their assailants went unpunished. This failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff has raised serious concerns about the university’s commitment to addressing campus safety issues.
Response from Education Department: Richard Cordray, the chief operating officer of the Education Department’s Federal Student Aid office, emphasized the importance of holding schools accountable for campus safety. He reiterated that federal law requires schools to investigate complaints, take action to ensure campus safety, and disclose information about crimes. The Education Department remains committed to enforcing these regulations to protect students and staff.
Liberty University’s Response: In response to the report, a spokesman for Liberty University stated that the institution is fully committed to maintaining the safety and security of its campus community. The university claimed to have made significant advancements in compliance with Title IX and the Clery Act since 2022, investing over $10 million in campus safety measures. However, the university also expressed concerns about what it perceives as selective and unfair treatment by the Education Department.
Conclusion: The fine imposed on Liberty University underscores the importance of adherence to federal campus safety laws. As educational institutions, universities have a responsibility to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, faculty, and staff. Moving forward, it is imperative for Liberty University and other institutions to address deficiencies in campus safety protocols and ensure full compliance with federal regulations.
