Since Nov. 26, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education has been performing a campus security program review of Penn State’s compliance from 1998-2011 with the federal Clery Act. In 2013, Penn State received a preliminary report from the U.S. Department of Education and had the opportunity to respond as part of the department’s standard process.
Today (Nov. 3), the University received the final report from federal officials. In response to the Clery report, University leaders have issued the following statement:
STATEMENT:
Penn State provided the federal government with unfettered access to all requested information in the Department of Education review. This review, in scope and duration, is unprecedented by the Department of Education. The review is focused on past incidents, policies and procedures from 1998-2011. We have just received the report today and are in the process of conducting a thorough review so that we may better understand its findings. We will comment further when our thorough evaluation of the department’s 239-page report has been completed.
While regrettably we cannot change the past, today the University has been recognized for significantly strengthening our programs since 2011. The safety and security of our University community is a top priority and we are dedicated to full compliance with the Clery Act and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act.
Today, Penn State has robust Clery training and collection processes in place. We have many initiatives, including 18 focused on fighting sexual assault and misconduct, with the creation of new positions, mandatory employee training, a universal hotline and many others. Part of our process includes regular evaluation of our efforts, the analysis of best practice and incorporation of learnings into our operations. For a list of Penn State’s major efforts, visit: http://www.psu.edu/ur/newsdocuments/Actions_since_2011.pdf
The university recognizes that Clery Act compliance cannot be an end unto itself, but is rather part of a broader culture of compliance. We will continue our numerous and vigorous efforts to create a culture of reporting, safety and accountability, and have integrated compliance at every level.