Liberty University Faces Unprecedented $37.5 Million Fine amid Allegations 

Liberty University, a prominent Christian institution, is grappling with an unprecedented threat from the U.S. Department of Education (ED), reportedly considering a $37.5 million fine over alleged Clery Act violations. According to a preliminary report, the university is accused of underreporting campus crimes and discouraging the reporting of offenses. The university claims the ED revealed the report to justify the hefty fine and alleges factual errors within the document.

The Clery Act requires colleges participating in federal student aid programs to disclose crime and safety information. Liberty, a recipient of $874 million in student loans, faces accusations of destroying evidence, failing to warn about sexual violence on campus, and deterring crime reporting. The university’s president, Dr. Dondi E. Costin, contends that the leaked report has poisoned ongoing negotiations with the ED, limiting Liberty’s ability to publicly address and dispute the findings.

Costin argues that the ED’s leak aims to lay the groundwork for an unprecedented fine, citing errors in the report and the assumption of accusers’ accuracy. Liberty asserts that it hasn’t had the opportunity to respond adequately to the allegations, hindering its ability to counter assertions made in the leaked document.

Notably, the report alleges that between 2016 and 2022, Liberty failed to warn the campus community about individuals credibly accused of sexual violence, including a senior administrator, an athlete, and a former university president. This echoes a previous case in 2005, where a former student claimed Liberty did not report her gang rape, leading to a settlement and a $120,000 fine in 2014.

The leaked report also suggests that Liberty retaliated against employees who raised concerns, including firing a senior vice president. The university allegedly deleted records, failed to keep required Clery Act records, and created an unsafe environment that facilitated on-campus rapes. With its $1.4 billion budget, Liberty University is accused of lacking the administrative capacity to ensure a safe campus.

In response to these allegations, Liberty is currently in an appeal process to contest the potential fine. The university argues that the ED’s leak has undermined the negotiation process, highlighting the unusual nature of the department leaking a preliminary report.

Amid these challenges, Liberty University faces additional scrutiny from students, parents, and former students who petitioned the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to place the university on probation until it addresses its deficiencies. The petition, sparked by the release of the ED’s findings, seeks external pressure to prompt much-needed changes in Liberty’s handling of campus safety and adherence to federal laws.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has recently joined Liberty University as the distinguished chair of the Helms School of Government. This addition to the university faculty comes as the institution grapples with accusations of Clery Act violations and cover-ups. Pompeo, known for advocating religious freedom, is expected to bring leadership and faith to the academic community.

Liberty welcomes former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as Distinguished Chair of the Helms School of Government! @SecPompeo https://t.co/WdeomuVMSn

— Liberty University (@LibertyU) October 11, 2023

As Liberty navigates these challenges, the university’s response to the allegations, ongoing negotiations with the ED, and the outcome of the appeal process will significantly impact its reputation and standing within the academic and religious communities.

Photo Courtesy: ©Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla/Staff

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