What does "substantial compliance" mean in the context of the Clery Act?

In the context of the Clery Act, "substantial compliance" refers to a school meeting the majority of the requirements outlined in the Act, even if it has not achieved full compliance with every single element. This means that a school has made significant strides in adhering to the law's mandates regarding campus safety, crime reporting, and disclosures, demonstrating a commitment to the core principles of the Act.

Substantial compliance is important because it recognizes that institutions may have various challenges and circumstances that can affect complete adherence. Schools that operate under substantial compliance can still be viewed as responsible in their efforts to provide a safe environment and fulfill transparency obligations.

The other options misinterpret the concept. Claiming that a school has fully complied would suggest absolute adherence with no deficiencies, while indicating that only some requirements have been met or that there has been no effort to comply does not reflect the understanding of "substantial compliance" as it acknowledges significant progress and effort towards compliance with the Act without stating complete fulfillment.