The US Department of Education has announced record fines against Liberty University for its failure to address a "culture of silence" surrounding reports of sexual assault on its campus. The findings of the investigation mirror those uncovered by a ProPublica investigation, which shed light on how university officials discouraged and dismissed women who came forward with accounts of sexual assault.

According to the Department of Education, Liberty University will face fines that exceed those imposed on any other institution in history. The fines are more than double the amount imposed on Michigan State University for its failures to protect women and girls from convicted sexual abuser Larry Nassar. This highlights the severity of Liberty University's negligence in handling sexual assault cases.

The investigation into Liberty University was prompted by the ProPublica report, which led to widespread outrage and demands for transparency from senators. The probe culminated in the announcement of the fines on Tuesday, as well as a two-year period of federal oversight for the university.

The report by ProPublica revealed disturbing accounts from women who had reported being raped on campus, only to be met with threats of punishment for violating the university's strict moral code, known as "The Liberty Way." These women described being discouraged from coming forward and instead being instructed to pray by school officials.

The government's findings have provided validation for those who have experienced firsthand the university's culture of silence. Elizabeth Axley, a former student who faced threats and dismissal when she reported her rape, expressed her gratitude, stating, "This official report acknowledges the reality of what happened, and it is incredibly powerful. It reminds me that my decision to fight for justice was worth it."

In response to the report, Liberty University issued a statement acknowledging mistakes and expressing regret, while also claiming "unfair treatment." The university has committed to investing $2 million in campus safety improvements to address the issues raised.

Liberty University, which was co-founded by televangelist Jerry Falwell in 1971, remains one of the most influential Christian universities in the country, with over 90,000 students enrolled both on-campus and online. The university has recently faced other scandals, with Jerry Falwell Jr., the son of the university's co-founder, resigning as its leader in 2020.

The significance of the Department of Education's actions extends beyond the record fines imposed on Liberty University. S. Daniel Carter, a key figure in crafting the Clery Act, federal legislation that mandates schools to report crimes, emphasized that this investigation signifies proactive efforts to hold institutions accountable for their handling of sexual assault cases. As Carter stated, "It's not just about the numbers; it's about enforcing compliance and promoting a safer environment for students."