What is the primary purpose of the Clery Act?

The primary purpose of the Clery Act is to provide transparency around campus crime policy and statistics. Enacted in 1990, the Clery Act requires institutions of higher education to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. This law mandates that colleges and universities maintain and publish an annual security report, which includes statistics on specific types of crime, safety policies, and procedures for reporting crimes. The goal is to ensure that students, prospective students, and employees are informed about campus safety issues, enabling them to make better decisions regarding their safety and well-being.

This focus on transparency is essential for fostering a safe educational environment and holding institutions accountable for their safety practices. By requiring the publication of crime data, the Clery Act aims to promote awareness and encourage proactive measures to enhance campus security.