Middlebury Releases 2014 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. — Middlebury released its 2014 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report today in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (also commonly referred to as the Campus SaVE Act). The report, which was distributed electronically to students, faculty, and staff, includes campus crime and fire statistics from the past three years as well as a handbook of safety information and procedures. The report includes data from the Middlebury Department of Public Safety and the town of Middlebury’s police department.

This year’s report highlights three notable variances in the 2013 data (the most recent available) from the 2012 data. Reports of forcible sex offenses increased to 17 from five in 2012; liquor law violations fell to 60 from 90 in 2012; and burglaries decreased to five from 12 in 2012.

“While these numbers are a source of real concern, and we will remain vigilant in enforcing our policies, it is also possible that these numbers reflect a greater willingness among individuals to report violations,” said Shirley M. Collado, dean of the College. “Middlebury has actively encouraged the reporting of sexual violence in all of its forms and has established policies and systems to make the process easier and more supportive.”

Over the past two years in particular, the administration of the College has engaged in a concerted effort to educate students, faculty, and staff about sexual violence and to encourage reporting of any actions described in Middlebury’s updated and expanded Policy Against Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking.

“The message of zero tolerance for sexual violence is being heard on local and national levels,” said Collado. “We are cautiously optimistic that these numbers mean our efforts to increase awareness and make reporting more acceptable to victims of sexual assault are working.”

In addition to revising its policies and increasing efforts at education, in 2013 the College secured a grant from the Department of Justice to enhance campus programs aimed at preventing sexual violence.

The 2014 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is compiled by Middlebury’s Department of Public Safety.