What should institutions do if they are aware of a Clery Act violation?

When institutions become aware of a Clery Act violation, the appropriate course of action is to investigate and rectify the issue. This is crucial for several reasons.

First, the Clery Act mandates that colleges and universities maintain accurate records of crime and safety information for their campuses. If a violation is detected, it is imperative that the institution takes immediate steps to understand the extent of the issue and how it occurred. This investigative process not only helps in correcting the violation but also in preventing future occurrences.

Additionally, rectifying the issue demonstrates a commitment to campus safety and transparency, fostering trust with the community, students, and staff. Compliance with the Clery Act is not only a legal obligation but also an ethical responsibility toward creating a safe educational environment.

Choosing to alert the media would be inappropriate unless there was a compelling public interest and would not directly address the violation. Ignoring the issue runs the risk of escalating the violation and further endangering the campus community. Limiting notification to only the individuals involved does not fulfill the institution's broader responsibilities under the Clery Act, which includes reporting and transparency obligations to both the public and the Department of Education.

Therefore, investigating and rectifying the issue is the best and most responsible approach.