Educational Violations: Liberty University to Pay Record $14 Million Fine
Campus Safety Violations Uncovered by Federal Review
The United States Department of Education has recently announced that it will impose a record-breaking $14 million fine on Liberty University. The fine comes as a result of multiple violations of federal law concerning campus safety. Liberty University, a private Christian university located in Virginia, will also be required to invest $2 million in campus safety improvements over the next two years.
The Education Department’s Review Findings
The Education Department’s review, encompassing the years from 2016 to 2023, highlighted numerous instances where Liberty University failed to meet the necessary safety requirements. These violations included a lack of timely warnings about criminal activity, failure to notify the campus about emergencies and dangerous situations, and the absence of an accurate and complete crime log. The examination concluded that the university exhibited a systemic and persistent failure to establish adequate campus safety and crime prevention compliance programs.
Prioritizing Safety in School Communities
The chief operating officer of the Education Department’s Federal Student Aid office, Richard Cordray, emphasized the significance of ensuring student and staff safety within school communities. Cordray stated, “Students, faculty, and staff deserve to know that they can be safe and secure in their school communities. We respond aggressively to complaints about campus safety and security. Through the Clery Act, schools are obligated to take action that creates safe and secure campus communities, investigate complaints, and responsibly disclose information about crimes and other safety concerns. We will continue to hold schools accountable if they fail to do so.”
Liberty University’s Commitment to Safety
A spokesman for Liberty University reiterated the institution’s commitment to the safety and security of its students and staff. The university announced that it has already invested over $10 million in significant advancements since 2022 to ensure compliance with Title IX and the Clery Act. In an official statement, the university expressed regret over past program deficiencies and confirmed that they have been rectified with great care and concern. Liberty University pledged to cooperate with the Department and prioritize safety in its campus community.
About Liberty University
Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, accommodates over 90,000 students, who partake in on-campus and online educational programs. As one of the country’s most influential Christian universities, Liberty University often hosts high-profile speakers and showcases its commitment to education.
Clery Act and Federal Financial Aid Compliance
Although Liberty University is a private institution, it receives nearly $880 million in federal financial aid funds for student loans and grants. As a result, the university must adhere to the Clery Act, a federal law that mandates the accurate and timely reporting of crime statistics along with other campus safety information. Failure to comply with the Clery Act’s provisions can lead to financial penalties.
Recent Similarities with Michigan State University’s Fine
News of Liberty University’s significant fine evokes memories of a $4.5 million fine levied against Michigan State University in 2019 for a systemic failure to address sexual abuse. The hefty fine, the largest at that time, came after investigations into sexual violence reports submitted against the university’s former doctor, Larry Nassar, who worked with the gymnastics team.
Confidential Preliminary Report
A confidential preliminary report, obtained last year by The Washington Post, alleged that Liberty University repeatedly violated federal law and failed to maintain a safe campus. The report revealed numerous deficiencies, including discouraging individuals from reporting crimes, neglecting to alert the campus community about impending dangers such as gas leaks, bomb threats, and incidents of sexual violence. The draft also claimed that Liberty officials destroyed evidence after the government initiated its inquiry.
University’s Response and Claims of Unfair Treatment
Liberty University issued a statement in response to the allegations outlined in the Department of Education’s report. The university emphasized its commitment to cooperation and full candor and announced that it had engaged two firms to evaluate compliance with the law and prepare a response. Liberty University insisted that it previously informed the Department about significant errors and unsupported conclusions in the preliminary findings. The institution aims for equal treatment when compared to other similarly situated universities.
Lawmakers’ Concerns and University Leadership Transition
Various lawmakers expressed concerns about the Department’s treatment of religious institutions, referencing the Liberty University inquiry. In a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Republican representatives Virginia Foxx (N.C.), James Comer (Ky.), and Bob Good (Va.) criticized the department’s apparent targeting of religious institutions. Liberty University was co-founded by televangelist Jerry Falwell Sr. and, following his son’s presidency, now operates under the leadership of Air Force Maj. Gen. Dondi E. Costin.
This is a developing story and will be updated.