Clery Center for Security on Campus

Overview

The Clery Center for Security on Campus is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing violence, substance abuse, and other crimes on college and university campuses across the United States. It was established in 1987 by Connie and Howard Clery after the tragic death of their daughter, Jeanne Clery, who was raped and murdered in her residence hall at Lehigh University in 1986.

Mission and Work

The Clery Center works to create safer educational environments by providing training and resources to college and university officials. It focuses on compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, which requires institutions to disclose their security policies, maintain a public crime log, publish annual crime reports, and issue timely warnings regarding certain crimes. Beyond compliance, the organization advocates for victims and supports policy initiatives aimed at enhancing campus safety.

Programs and Initiatives

The Clery Center offers various programs and training sessions to equip campus professionals with the knowledge needed to adhere to the Clery Act and foster a culture of safety on campuses. This includes:

• Clery Act Compliance Training: Providing educational institutions with the tools necessary to meet legal requirements.
• National Campus Safety Awareness Month: Promoting awareness and discussion about campus safety issues.
• Kristin’s Krusade: Focusing on dating violence prevention.
• Hazing Prevention & Education: Addressing hazing as a safety concern on campuses.
• Campus Fire Safety Awareness: Educating on fire safety measures and protocols.

The Jeanne Clery Act

The Clery Center's mission is closely tied to the Jeanne Clery Act, a federal law enacted in 1990, which was later amended and renamed the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. This statute mandates colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to report crime statistics, maintain transparency about campus security policies, and ensure timely warnings are issued for certain crimes.

Impact and Contributions

Through its work, the Clery Center contributes significantly to the national conversation about campus safety, advocating for transparency and accountability in how institutions report and address crimes. This helps ensure that students and staff can feel secure and supported on campuses across the country.