Virginia Tech and Liberty University have released their 2025 annual campus security reports, providing crime statistics from the 2024 calendar year as mandated by the federal Clery Act. The new data reveals contrasting trends at the two institutions, with Virginia Tech reporting a significant decrease in rape cases, while Liberty University saw its reported cases double in the same category.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia Tech's annual report showed reported rape cases decreased from 19 in 2023 to 6 in 2024.
- Liberty University's data showed reported rape cases increased from 6 in 2023 to 12 in 2024.
- The release of Liberty's report follows a record $14 million federal fine for previous Clery Act reporting failures.
- University officials emphasize that the reports are comprehensive safety guides, not just statistical summaries.
Virginia Tech Reports Drop in Several Crime Categories
Virginia Tech's 2025 Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Report, which details statistics from 2024, indicates that many crime figures are either lower than or consistent with data from 2022 and 2023. The most notable change was the decline in reported rape cases, which fell by over 68% from 19 cases to 6.
Other statistics related to burglaries, theft, and violations involving alcohol and drugs were also included in the comprehensive document. University officials are encouraging students, faculty, and the public to look beyond the raw numbers and use the report as a resource for safety awareness and prevention.
A Comprehensive Resource for Campus Safety
Mark Owczarski, a spokesperson for Virginia Tech, stressed that the full 196-page report contains much more than just crime data. It outlines the university's extensive safety protocols, emergency procedures, and prevention programs.
"It is important to do all that we can to prevent that crime from occurring in the first place," Owczarski stated. He explained that the document details how the university utilizes its VT Alerts system, conducts safety drills, and provides access to numerous support offices for students and employees.
The university's goal is to ensure that community members are aware of the resources available to them. "Any victim of crime, we want [them] to be able to report it to get the assistance and the help that they may need," Owczarski added.
Virginia Tech 2024 Crime Data
- Rape Cases: 6 (down from 19)
- Report Length: 196 pages
- Focus: Prevention, resources, and emergency procedures in addition to statistics.
Owczarski emphasized that awareness is a critical component of campus safety. He encouraged the community to be vigilant and report suspicious activity.
"Being aware, knowing what’s happening around you, to see something, say something, are all elements of safety," he said.
Liberty University Data Shows Increase in Reported Rapes
Liberty University's annual security report also detailed its 2024 crime statistics, revealing an increase in certain violent crime categories compared to the previous year. The number of reported rape cases on campus doubled, rising from 6 in 2023 to 12 in 2024.
The data also showed a slight increase in aggravated assaults. In contrast, motor vehicle thefts saw a minor decrease over the same period. The university is required to make this information public to maintain transparency about campus safety conditions.
Context of Recent Federal Scrutiny
The release of Liberty University's latest report comes shortly after the institution faced significant federal penalties for its past handling of crime reporting. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education imposed a record-breaking $14 million fine on the university.
The fine was a result of an investigation that found Liberty had inaccurately reported crime statistics and failed to comply with the Clery Act's requirements between 2016 and 2021. The federal action highlighted systemic issues with the university's approach to campus safety and transparency during that period.
What is the Clery Act?
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses. Named in memory of a student who was assaulted and murdered in her residence hall in 1986, the act is designed to ensure students, parents, and employees have access to accurate information about campus safety to make informed decisions.
The Importance of Annual Safety Disclosures
Every year, thousands of higher education institutions across the United States release their annual security reports by the October 1st deadline. These reports serve two primary functions: to provide transparent data on criminal offenses and to inform the community about institutional policies aimed at improving safety.
The data collected includes a range of offenses, such as:
- Homicide
- Sexual assault (including rape and fondling)
- Robbery and aggravated assault
- Burglary and motor vehicle theft
- Arrests or referrals for drug, alcohol, and weapons violations
By mandating this disclosure, the Clery Act aims to hold institutions accountable and empower campus communities. The detailed policies on prevention, emergency response, and victim support included in the reports are intended to be practical tools for fostering a safer educational environment.
