Liberty University, a Christian evangelical institution based in Virginia, has been fined $14 million by the Department of Education for failing to adhere to federal campus safety regulations, particularly around the issue of sexual assault. This penalty, the largest ever imposed under the Clery Act, underscores the university’s shortcomings in reporting incidents of sexual assault and providing adequate support for victims. The Clery Act requires educational institutions to maintain and disclose information about crime on and near their campuses, aiming to ensure transparency and safety for students and staff.

The fine follows investigations that revealed Liberty University’s failure over a seven-year period to inform the campus community about safety concerns and emergencies adequately, highlighting a “systemic and persistent failure” in leadership to implement necessary campus safety and crime prevention programs. Despite this, the university, which received over $880 million in federal student loans and grants in the 2022-23 academic year, has committed to investing an additional $2 million in enhancing campus safety measures.

Liberty University has faced scrutiny not only from federal authorities but also in public accounts and lawsuits claiming the institution fostered an environment where sexual assault cases were mishandled. Victims, such as “Jane 16,” have shared experiences of reporting sexual assaults to the university’s Title IX office, only for their assailants to face no repercussions, pointing to a significant flaw in the institution’s approach to handling these cases.

In response to the Department of Education’s findings and the fine, Liberty University has issued a statement expressing regret for past failures and disputing allegations of evidence destruction. The institution also emphasized its commitment to improving student safety, ensuring Clery Act compliance, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

As part of its response to these violations, Liberty University will also undergo two years of federal oversight. This situation places Liberty in a broader context of educational institutions being held accountable for their handling of campus safety issues, with the ramifications extending beyond monetary penalties to include impacts on the university’s reputation and its commitment to student welfare.