Liberty University has agreed to pay a record-breaking $14 million fine for failing to disclose information about crimes on its campus and its treatment of sexual assault survivors, the U.S. Department of Education announced on Tuesday. This fine is the largest ever under the Clery Act, a law that mandates colleges and universities that receive federal funding to report campus crime data and notify students of potential threats. Schools must distribute an annual security report that includes crime statistics and details on efforts to enhance campus safety.
Despite marketing itself as having one of the safest campuses in the nation, Liberty University had minimal oversight with only one police officer responsible for investigating crimes during most of the period reviewed by federal investigators from 2016 to 2023. The U.S. Department of Education discovered numerous instances where crimes were misclassified or underreported, especially concerning sexually based offenses like rape and fondling.
One particular case cited by investigators involved a rape where the victim was coerced by the attacker. Liberty’s investigator dismissed the case claiming the victim consented to the act, when in reality, the victim was trying to escape. Many victims of sexual crimes did not report incidents due to fear of reprisal, and some were punished for breaking the student code of conduct while their assailants faced no consequences.
In response to the fine, Liberty University stated its commitment to student and staff safety without exceptions and highlighted the $10 million in improvements made since 2022 to comply with the Clery Act and other laws. The university acknowledged past errors in reporting and notifications but disputed the U.S. Department of Education’s methods and calculations, claiming unfair treatment.
Dustin Wahl, a co-founder of Save71, an alumni-led organization advocating for changes, criticized Liberty for trying to shift blame and emphasized the importance of transparency and genuine commitment to addressing the issues. The $14 million fine against Liberty University, while a significant sum, is a fraction of the school’s total operating revenues.
The investigation into Clery Act violations at Liberty University became public in 2022 amid lawsuits alleging mishandling of sexual assault cases. Former students and employees accused the school of favoring accused male students in investigations and retaliating against women who reported incidents. Liberty settled a civil lawsuit filed by 12 women in 2022, outlining changes to improve campus security and response to sexual harassment or violence.
This announcement comes three years after Liberty’s contentious split with former president Jerry Falwell Jr., following a scandal involving a controversial photo posted online and revelations of his wife’s affair. Falwell and the university have since engaged in legal battles over his departure.
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