YPSILANTI, Mich. – After numerous violations of federal campus safety laws, Eastern Michigan University (EMU) could face fines of more than $400,000 although authorities say those fines will not impact financial aid.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) issued a report citing EMU for seven violations of the Clery Act, a 1990 law requiring schools to give timely notification of campus crimes and crime statistics. The most serious violation occurred last December, when the university found student Laura Dickinson murdered in her dorm room but proceeded to tell family and friends that they suspected no foul play.
The report said penalties could range from fines to suspension or termination of financial aid. The maximum fine is $27,500 for each offense. However, if the DOE includes eight misreported sex offenses between 2003 and 2005, the fine could reach $412,500.
Daniel Carter, senior vice president of Security on Campus Inc., says no campus has ever lost financial aid eligibility for violating the Clery Act since it was passed 17 years ago. He believes it would only happen if the university refused to make significant changes.
In June, EMU President John Fallon issued a 16-point plan to improve campus security. The university has three weeks to prepare a written response to the DOE. After that, the government has 45 days to make their final decision, although they can issue penalties after that date.
According to the Ann Arbor News, as a result of the controversy, EMU’s Public Safety Director Cindy Hall has cleared out her office and has not reported to work since last week. EMU officials said they could not comment on personnel matters.
