Title: Liberty University Agrees to Pay Record $14 Million Fine for Violating Clery Act

Liberty University, one of the largest Christian schools in the world, has agreed to pay an unprecedented $14 million fine for its failure to comply with the Clery Act, the U.S. Department of Education announced on Tuesday. This fine is the largest ever levied under the Act, which requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crimes on campus and provide support to sexual assault survivors.

Under the Clery Act, educational institutions that receive federal funding must collect data on campus crimes and inform students about any potential threats. They are also required to share an annual security report that includes crime statistics and details about efforts to enhance campus safety.

Despite marketing itself as having one of the safest campuses in the nation, Liberty University's police department lacked adequate resources to investigate crimes during the period from 2016 to 2023. The Department of Education's investigation revealed numerous cases where crimes were misclassified or underreported, including incidents of sexual assault.

One alarming example cited in the settlement agreement involved a rape case where Liberty's investigator wrongly dismissed the victim's claims based on a misinterpretation of consent. The university's Clery compliance officer later recognized the mishandling of the case, but it had already been counted in the official crime statistics.

The investigation also uncovered a troubling culture of silence, with many victims of sexual crimes afraid to report due to fear of retaliation. In some cases, victims were punished for violating the student code of conduct, known as "The Liberty Way," while their assailants went unpunished.

In response to the findings, Liberty University expressed its full commitment to maintaining the safety and security of its students and staff, stating that it has made significant improvements since 2022 to comply with the Clery Act and other laws. However, the university also criticized the Department of Education's methods and calculations, claiming selective and unfair treatment.

Safety advocates emphasized the impact of Clery Act violations, highlighting that it goes beyond financial penalties. Abigail Boyer, associate executive director at the Clery Center, stressed that institutions face reputational damage and the perception that they may not prioritize student safety.

Liberty University, founded in 1971 by religious broadcaster Jerry Falwell Sr., has seen significant growth, with a record of 115,000 students pursuing online degrees in addition to over 15,000 on-campus students. The Clery Act investigation became public knowledge in 2022 following legal action regarding the university's handling of sexual assault cases.

Lawsuits filed against Liberty University have accused the school of mishandling reports of sexual assault and fostering an unsafe environment. In 2022, the university settled a civil lawsuit with 12 women, the terms of which were not disclosed. As part of the settlement, the university outlined measures to improve campus security and enhance its response to incidents of sexual harassment or violence.

The $14 million fine, though a small fraction of Liberty University's operating revenues and net assets, highlights the seriousness of the Clery Act violations. The resolution of this case serves as a crucial step toward fostering a safer and more supportive environment for students.