Jeanne Clery, a 19-year-old student at Lehing University, was asleep in her on-campus residence room on a spring night.
Like many University of Southern Indiana students, she was sure she was safe; her biggest concern might have been her workload or issues with friends.
Unfortunately, Clery did not wake up the following morning.
Clery was raped and murdered while she was sleeping on April 5, 1986.
Jeanne’s parents, Connie and Howard Clery, found out students had not been informed of the 38 violent crimes that had occured on campus in the three years prior to their own daughter’s murder. With the aid of other vicitims of violent crimes on campus, they allied together and persuaded Congress to enact the “Jeanne Clery Act” (originally known as the “Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990”).
The Act requires campus security to make timely warnings to the campus community about crimes that pose an ongoing threat to students and its employees. The Department of Education can fine a school who fails to comply.
Despite such preventative measures, fear is still an issue amongst students and crime still occurs.
According to city-data.com as of April 2010 there are 351 registered sex offenders residing in the Evansville region, creating a ratio of residents to offenders 332 to 1.
Though the numbers create a sense of security, they seem to contradict the reports complied by USI.
The campus security’s sex offenses from January to December 2007 indicate only one forcible sex offense. January through December 2008 reports show a total of two forcible sex offenses, and the January through December 2009 reports show four forcible sex offenses proving that forcible sex offenses are on a steady rise.
Using a searchable database available to everyone, icrimewatch.net allows users to enter their address and find how closely registered sex offenders are to their respected areas. Using the school’s address, the website shows there are four registered offenders living within two miles of USI’s campus, three of which are multiple offenders.
“We check the registry but nothing legally can be done,” Director of Security Steven Woodall said.
Woodall said if a convicted felon chooses to attend USI they are required to go to Dean of Students Barry Schonberger who then decides if they are eligable to attend classes and whether or not they pose a threat to students. They are then placed under tight restrictions; they must physically check in by signing their name and check out each day at the security office.
Students are further advised to take precautionary measures when it comes to living on campus and attending classes.
“Take advantage of the security department’s services,” Woodall said. “If you ever have an uneasy feeling going back to your apartment or to campus, use the escort services.”
USI’s security department offesrs an escort service 365 days a year from dusk to dawn. If a student ever feels nervous about walking alone, he/she is encouraged to call (812) 464-1845 and an officer of the USI security unit will be able to accompany them from one campus location to another.
Other preventative measures students can take include:
Self Defense for Women trainings offered through the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center and Housing and Residence Life. The training is offered to women to educate about awareness, prevention, risk education and avoidance skills. For more information, contact the RFWC at (812) 461-5268.
Students can also participate in Male Allies Against Rape and Violence (MAARV) which aims to support men in understanding their responsibilities and opportunities to help stop the victimization of women. Contact Todd Schroer for more information.
“Don’t put yourself in a situation you shouldn’t be in,” Woodall said “Use common sense. If you leave take a friend with you, lock your door if you leave, even if it’s for a few minutes.”
