March 5, 2003



The Honorable Roderick Paige
Secretary of Education
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

Re: Salem International University's Jeanne Clery Act Fine

Dear Secretary Paige:

It has come to our attention that the U.S. Department of Education has found serious campus crime reporting, and sexual assault victims' rights violations of the Jeanne Clery Act at Salem International University. We are disgusted by their apparent total disregard for student safety, and the well-being of crime victims.

It was this type of arrogance that cost us our beloved daughter Jeanne. Despite all our best efforts though it continues to pervade higher education.

It is imperative that this type of egregious misconduct not be tolerated. At least 84 serious crimes, including 5 forcible sex offenses, were omitted from their reports according to DOE findings. This is totally unacceptable!

They must be fined. At $25,000 per underreported statistic the fine should amount to $2,100,000. This doesn't even include their other egregious violations, such as their denials of the guaranteed rights of rape victims for which they must be fined another $200,000.

A strong message must be sent that the American people will not tolerate this type of outrageous behavior, and we call on you to demonstrate the needed leadership by imposing civil penalties of at least $2.3 million in this case. It is the only right thing to do.

Best Regards,

Connie & Howard Clery

c.c. Sen. Arlen Specter
Beth A. Brinly
Media