What is the primary purpose of the Clery Act?

The primary purpose of the Clery Act is to promote transparency around campus crime policy and statistics. This federal law, enacted in 1990, mandates that colleges and universities across the United States collect, publish, and make available crime statistics for their campuses and surrounding areas. The act requires institutions to disclose information about specific types of crimes, along with their security policies and procedures, thereby fostering a safer campus environment and enabling prospective students and their families to make informed decisions about their education.

This focus on transparency is essential for improving campus safety and accountability. By ensuring that institutions accurately report crime data and maintain accessible Campus Safety Reports, the Clery Act empowers students and the broader community to be aware of safety issues and the measures taken to address them.