The Department of Education has just imposed a historic $14 million fine on Liberty University, a Christian college located in Virginia, in a record-breaking move over violations of a campus safety law. This announcement comes as a shock to many conservative Americans, who see this as yet another attack on religious institutions and their values.
The Department of Education has cited the Clery Act as the basis for this exorbitant fine, which requires colleges to disclose campus crime statistics and ensure the safety of their students. However, it seems that the Department is using this act as a weapon against conservative values, rather than upholding its intended purpose.
The review of Liberty University’s alleged violations was initiated in 2022, following complaints and a 2021 lawsuit filed by a group of women accusing the school of creating an environment that increased the likelihood of sexual assault and rape. While these claims are serious and must be thoroughly investigated, it is concerning that the Department of Education is using them as a political tool to impose a hefty fine on the university.
Liberty University’s administration has promptly acknowledged the violations outlined in the report and has taken steps to address them. The University has agreed to spend an additional $2 million on improving campus safety over the next two years. This shows that they are committed to creating a safe environment for their students.
Liberty University will pay $14 million, the largest fine ever levied under the federal Clery Act https://t.co/AvxdQfxzY0 pic.twitter.com/fcAghYNoHf
— Chris (@mason4922) March 5, 2024
However, Liberty University has also raised concerns about the methods used by the Department of Education in their review. The University claims that they have been subjected to “selective and unfair treatment” and that the Department’s findings and calculations are drastically different from their treatment of other universities.
According to Newsweek,
“In the report, many of the Department’s methodologies, findings, and calculations were drastically different from their historic treatment of other universities,” school spokesperson Ryan Helfenbein said in a statement.
He continued: “Liberty disagrees with this approach and maintains that we have repeatedly endured selective and unfair treatment by the Department. The University concurs there were numerous deficiencies that existed in the past. Examples include incorrect statistical reports as well as necessary timely warnings and emergency notifications that were not sent.
“We acknowledge and sincerely regret past program deficiencies and have since corrected these errors with great care and concern,” Helfenbein said.
It would seem that there is a bias against conservative institutions in government agencies, and Liberty University has become the latest victim.
The Department of Education’s $14 million fine on Liberty University is an example of political targeting and discrimination against conservative values. While it is important to hold institutions accountable for their actions, it should not be done through cherry-picking and unfair treatment.
