The renaming of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, enacted on December 23, 2024, is not merely a change in nomenclature. It signifies a profound shift in how we view campus safety in higher education. This legislative update, born from advocacy and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of campus safety, reflects a commitment to a broader, more holistic approach to ensuring our campuses are sanctuaries of learning and growth.
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The Jeanne Clery Act, born from tragedy in 1986 with the murder of Jeanne Clery, has always been about more than statistics. It was about accountability, transparency, and, most importantly, safety. Over the years, amendments in 1992, 1998, 2000, and 2008 expanded its scope, tackling issues from sexual assault to emergency notifications. Yet, its name remained anchored in the past, focusing on security and statistics rather than safety.
The Clery Act’s Primary Goal Is Safety, Not Just Reporting Crime Data
The former name emphasized procedures over purpose. With the support of Jessica A. Mertz, Executive Director of the Clery Center (established by Jeanne Clery’s family), who wrote, “We believe this revised name more accurately reflects the broad scope and intent of the legislation,” we’ve made it clear: campus safety is our primary goal, not just the reporting of crime data.
This name change is an invitation to colleges and universities to rethink safety. It’s about understanding that while crime statistics are crucial, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. A safe campus is one where prevention, education, and community engagement are as central as reporting. The recent inclusion of hazing prevention in this act underlines this shift. It’s no longer just about what happened but how we prevent it from happening again.
Campuses Must Take a Comprehensive Approach
My putting forth, in 2023, and advocating for this change was part of a broader mission to ensure that following this law does not become a checkbox for compliance but a comprehensive framework for campus safety. My work with SAFE Campuses, LLC, has been about inspiring, engaging, equipping, and empowering campuses to go beyond what’s required by law.
“It’s not just about crime statistics anymore; it’s about creating a safe environment where students can learn without fear,” I’ve often said, and this new name encapsulates that vision.
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The “Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act” is a call to action for all involved in higher education to prioritize safety in its most comprehensive form. It continues the legacy of Jeanne Clery by ensuring her name inspires not just policy but practice. As we move forward, let’s embrace this change not as an endpoint but as a new beginning in our collective journey towards safer campuses.
Let’s make safety a lived experience, not just a reported statistic.
S. Daniel Carter is president of SAFE Campuses, LLC. He can be reached at [email protected].
