Career Tech Corner: Clery Act Update – Reminder to All Ohio Technical Centers Participating in Title IV Financial Aid Programs

Career Tech Corner: Clery Act Update – Reminder to All Ohio Technical Centers Participating in Title IV Financial Aid Programs

by | Sep 23, 2024 | General, School Management

The Annual Security Report (ASR) is due by October 1 each year, as mandated by the Clery Act. The ASR is an essential document that informs current and prospective students and employees about campus safety, security measures, and crime statistics. The report must include the following key components:

  1. Crime Statistics for the most recent three calendar years must be included.
  2. Policy Statements must include descriptions of institutional policies on:
  • Campus Security Authority (CSA) Reporting
  • Timely Warnings
  • Emergency Notification and Evacuation
  • Campus Law Enforcement
  • Security and Access to Campus Facilities
  • Drug and Alcohol Use
  • Crime Prevention
  • Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking
  1. Crime Reporting Procedures on how students, staff, and faculty can report crimes and how the institution responds to those reports.
  2. Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures on how the institution will communicate in the event of an emergency, including tests of these procedures.
  3. Policies on Alcohol and Drug Use regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcohol and drugs on campus, and details of prevention programs in place.

Failure to include any of these components may lead to fines or penalties under the Clery Act. Recently, two universities faced multi-million-dollar fines for unreported incidents and inaccurate reporting.

On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education imposed a record-breaking $14 million fine on Liberty University for violations of the Clery Act. This is the largest fine ever issued for non-compliance with the Clery Act. In addition to the fine, the Department of Education will conduct post-review monitoring of the university through April 2026 to ensure that promised improvements are implemented. Any further violations of Clery Act requirements could jeopardize Liberty University’s eligibility for federal student aid programs or lead to additional administrative sanctions.

(https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-imposes-14-million-fine-against-liberty-university-for-clery-act-violations)

On September 10, 2020, the University of California, Berkeley announced it would pay $2.35 million to the U.S. Department of Education for violations of the Clery Act. The fine resulted from a six-year review of the university’s campus safety policies, procedures, and crime statistics reporting, which concluded in September 2019. (https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/09/11/uc-berkeley-fined-235m-clery-violations)

If your district needs assistance with their Annual Security Report, contact Nancy Mulvey, Ennis Britton Consulting at nmulvey@ebconsultting.com

Resources:  Clery Center, www.clerycenter.org and Ohio School Safety Center, https://ohioschoolsafetycenter.ohio.gov/

 

Career Tech Corner: The Clery Act and Ohio Technical Centers

Career Tech Corner: The Clery Act and Ohio Technical Centers

by | Sep 13, 2023 | General, Legislation

The Clery Act, formally known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, is a federal law that aims to promote campus safety by requiring colleges and universities that receive federal funding to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The law is named after Jeanne Clery, a college student who was sexually assaulted and murdered in her dormitory in 1986. Here’s why the Clery Act matters to Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs):

1. Campus Safety and Transparency: The Clery Act promotes campus safety and transparency by requiring OTCs to disclose accurate and comprehensive information about crime on and around their campuses. This information helps students, staff, and prospective students make informed decisions about their safety and well-being.

2. Student and Staff Awareness: By providing information about crime statistics, safety policies, and emergency procedures, the Clery Act ensures that students and staff are aware of potential risks and know how to respond to emergencies. This awareness can contribute to a safer and more secure learning and working environment.

3. Prevention and Preparedness: OTCs must develop and implement safety policies, crime prevention programs, and emergency response plans. This encourages OTCs to proactively address safety concerns, prevent criminal activity, and be prepared to respond effectively to emergencies.

4. Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications: The Clery Act requires OTCs to issue timely warnings to the campus community about certain ongoing threats and to provide emergency notifications during significant incidents. This rapid communication helps individuals take appropriate actions to stay safe.

5. Accountability and Compliance: Compliance with the Clery Act is a condition for receiving federal funding. OTCs that fail to meet Clery Act requirements may face financial penalties and potential loss of federal funds. This accountability ensures that OTCs take the law seriously and prioritize campus safety.

6. Public Perception and Reputation: Non-compliance with the Clery Act can negatively impact an institution’s reputation and public image. Demonstrating a commitment to Clery Act compliance can help OTCs build trust with students, parents, and the community.

7. Student and Staff Well-Being: Ultimately, the Clery Act aims to create a safer and more secure environment for students, staff, and visitors at OTCs. By adhering to Clery Act requirements, OTCs contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life for their campus community members.

In summary, the Clery Act is essential for Ohio Technical Centers and other educational institutions to ensure a safe and transparent learning environment. Compliance with the Clery Act helps OTCs fulfill their responsibility to provide accurate information, promote campus safety, and respond effectively to security concerns and emergencies.