What consequences can institutions face for failing to comply with the Clery Act?

Institutions that fail to comply with the Clery Act can face fines and potential loss of federal funding. The Clery Act mandates that colleges and universities maintain and disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Non-compliance can lead to hefty financial penalties imposed by the U.S. Department of Education, which can amount to thousands of dollars per violation. Additionally, institutions risk losing access to federal financial aid programs, which are crucial for supporting students. This creates a significant incentive for colleges to adhere to the regulations set forth by the Clery Act to avoid such serious consequences.

The other options are not penalties outlined within the Clery Act. Revocation of academic degrees and suspension of sports programs are not direct consequences related to Clery compliance, and while mandatory training for staff may be an appropriate response to ensure compliance, it is not a consequence defined by the Act itself. Thus, the consequences of fines and loss of federal funding are the most relevant and significant for institutions failing to meet Clery Act requirements.