The University of South Carolina’s 2018 Clery Report shows an increase in sexual assaults and alcohol violations on campus.
Each year colleges and universities across the country are required to submit data regarding specific crimes within a defined area. That area often includes the college’s main campus and surrounding buildings and facilities.
The annual Security and Fire Safety Report takes a look at different issues on campus like domestic violence and aggravated assault. That report shows that alcohol violations and sexual assaults have almost doubled at the University of South Carolina since 2015.
For many students, campus life is the best part of the college experience. But data from a federally required report shows that for some students, campus life isn’t as glamorous.
The 2018 Security and Fire Safety Report for USC reports that the number of rapes on campus has almost doubled since 2015. Alcohol violations are also on the rise. The report shows that disciplinary action increased from 356 violations to more than 700 last year. Several students say alcohol on campus is not surprising.
“I’ve had a friend. He’s had to go to the hospital because he drank so much. It’s just scary,” said Ben Derosia, a freshman at USC.
At Clemson University, data shows no major change in the number of sexual assaults from 2015. There were 8 rapes reported on campus in 2015, the same number in 2017.
The number of alcohol and drug violations at Clemson University declined since 2015. In 2015 there were 444 violations compared to 414 in 2017.
Students say the problems on campus are overshadowed by the college experience and that there are several resources on campus for students to get the help and support they need.
Shamarri Smalls added, “I’m kind of glad I don’t hear about it because it’s a scary situation, but it kind of makes you feel more safe if you don’t hear about it.”
Each school has to publish this report. You can find most of the reports online at that specific school’s website. We’ve included some of the most recent reports published below.