Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01), Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04) today reintroduced a bipartisan bill to help prevent student deaths and serious injuries on college campuses.
The College Operational Reporting of Emergencies Involving Teens and Young Adults (COREY) Safety Act would amend the CLERY Act of 1990—which requires colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid program to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics—by requiring them to also disclose accidents and other incidents that result in serious injury or death in their annual safety report. The COREY Safety Act is inspired by Corey Hausman, a student who passed away on September 12th, 2018 following a pedestrian accident on his college campus.
Accidents are the leading cause of student fatality on college campuses, accounting for 10.8% of deaths according to a study by the American College Health Association. In comparison, homicides—which are required to be disclosed under the CLERY Act—account for only 0.53% of on-campus deaths. Improving transparency by reporting these serious accidents will better allow for informed decision-making and will encourage colleges and universities to make campuses safer for students.
“The safety and well-being of our young adults on college campuses should always be a top priority,” said Rep. Mace. “The COREY Safety Act aims to enhance the existing CLERY Act of 1990 by ensuring colleges and universities provide comprehensive information on accidents and incidents resulting in serious injury or loss of life in their annual safety reports. Transparency is key when it comes to protecting our students. By expanding the reporting requirements, we can empower students and their families to make informed decisions about their education and safety. It is our duty to create an environment where potential risks are openly addressed, enabling proactive measures to prevent future tragedies.”
You can learn more about the legislation here.
