What is the purpose of the Clery Act for colleges and universities?

The Clery Act, officially known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, is primarily designed to ensure transparency regarding campus crime and security information. The key purpose of this federal law is to require colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to maintain and publicly disclose crime statistics and specific security policies. This includes reporting on certain types of crimes that occur on and around campus, as well as disclosing the institution's policies regarding security measures and response protocols.

This accountability provides prospective and current students, staff, and the surrounding community with vital information about campus safety, allowing them to make informed decisions. The act helps foster a safer educational environment by mandating that institutions be transparent about crime on their campuses, thereby promoting awareness and preventive measures.