The Clery Act

Jeanne Clery, a Lehigh University freshman, was assaulted and murdered in her dorm room in April of 1986. The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (the "Clery Act"), found at 20 U.S.C. 1092(f), was enacted in the hope that awareness of criminal activity can help to reduce the likelihood of victimization. The Clery Act requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding (including West Texas A&M University) to prepare, publish, and distribute campus security policies and crime statistics.

The crime statistics reported in compliance with the Clery Act are obtained from reports to the West Texas A&M University Police Department, local law enforcement agencies, and "Campus Security Authorities." Reports made to Campus Security Authorities may also provide the basis for the issuance of Timely Warnings or Emergency Notifications.

Annual Security Reports and Annual Fire Safety Reports for West Texas A&M University and other locations designated by The Clery Act as separate campuses are as follows and available on the WTAMU Campus Safety and Security website wtamu.edu/safety or the direct URLs listed below. A printed copy will be provided upon request from the office of Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success or the University Police Department.

West Texas A&M University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Amarillo Center Annual Security Report (WTAMU)
RELLIS Academic Alliance Annual Security Report (WTAMU)
Biennial Review of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Program

The University Police Department (UPD) publishes a daily crime log as required by Federal Law. The purpose of the Daily Crime and Fire Logs are to record criminal incidents, and alleged criminal incidents, that are reported to or identified by the campus police or security department. Crimes and fires are recorded within 2 business days of the report and placed in order received. Entries are updated for 60 days after the incident was recorded.

The printed logs are available 24/7 by request through UPD or Dispatch. For further information or questions relating to the Daily Crime and Fire Logs, please contact UPD at 806-651-2300. Thanks for taking the time to visit our web page.

university-police/crime-statistics-prevention/upd-crime-alerts

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), enacted in 1994 and last reauthorized in 2022, is a U.S. federal law addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and gender-based violence.

• Purpose: VAWA protects survivors and prevents violence by funding resources and shaping policies, including on college campuses.
• Key Features:
  • Survivor Support: Funds campus counseling, hotlines, legal aid, and safe housing for survivors of abuse or assault.
  • Campus Policies: Requires colleges to have clear processes for handling sexual misconduct, supporting Title IX efforts.
  • Prevention: Supports training like consent workshops to stop violence early.
• Relevance to Students and Employees: VAWA ensures access to confidential resources, fair treatment after reporting incidents, and safer campus environments.
• Call to Action: Students and employees can use resources (e.g., campus Title IX office, University Police Department, Human Resource Office, National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE), join advocacy groups, or spread awareness.

WT is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all members of our campus community. In alignment with this commitment, we are pleased to share important updates regarding the implementation of the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), signed into law on December 23, 2024. This federal legislation, amending the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, introduces new requirements to enhance transparency, accountability, and prevention efforts related to hazing on college campuses. Below, we outline the key components of the SCHA and how WT is implementing these measures to prioritize your safety and well-being.

Overview of the Stop Campus Hazing Act

The SCHA is the first federal law to establish anti-hazing requirements for institutions of higher education participating in Title IV federal student aid programs. Its primary goals are to increase transparency, ensure accountability, and promote research-informed hazing prevention programs. The Act mandates the following key actions, effective January 1, 2025:

1. Inclusion of Hazing Statistics in Annual Security Reports (ASRs):
   Starting January 1, 2025, WT will collect and report hazing incidents reported to campus security authorities or local law enforcement in our 2026 Annual Security Report, to be published by October 1, 2026.
2. Campus Hazing Transparency Report:
   By December 23, 2025, WT will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report on our website, summarizing findings of any student organizations found in violation of our hazing policies.
3. Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs:
   WT has developed research-informed, campus-wide hazing prevention and awareness programs to educate students, faculty, and staff.

Definition of Hazing

Hazing is strictly prohibited at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) and is defined as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such person or persons to participate, that:

• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization (including any fraternity, sorority, athletic team, club, or other recognized student group), whether recognized by WTAMU or not; and
• Cause or creates a risk above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.”

A “student organization” includes clubs, societies, associations, athletic teams, fraternities, sororities, bands, or student government, with two or more members enrolled at the institution, whether officially recognized or not.

Our Commitment to Community Safety

At WT, the safety and well-being of our community are paramount. We are taking the many steps to ensure compliance with the SCHA and enhance our hazing prevention efforts; such as new educational programs and additional training for all Campus Security Authorities (which includes all WT staff, faculty, and student employees).

Resources & How to Report Hazing

If you witness or experience hazing, we encourage you to report it promptly. You can submit a report through the following channels:

• Vice President for Student Affairs: JBK Suite 102, 806-651-2389
• Human Resources Office: Old Main 308, 806-651-2114
• University Police Department: 806-651-2300 (available 24 hours a day)
• CSA Online Reporting Form: https://apps.wtamu.edu/forms/csareport.php
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

All reports will be investigated thoroughly and confidentially, following our established procedures, effective today, June 23, 2025.

Moving Forward Together

The Stop Campus Hazing Act represents a significant step toward creating safer campus environments nationwide. At WT, we are dedicated to upholding these standards and promoting a culture where respect, accountability, and transparency are the norm. We encourage all community members to engage with our hazing prevention programs and report any concerns promptly. Together, we can ensure that WT remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

For questions or additional information, please contact the University Police Department at 806-651-2300 or WTpolice@wtamu.edu, or the Student Affairs Office at 806-651-2050.