LU Alert: Timely Warning Notification 23-018765

Timely Warning Alert (23-018765)

Fondling

This alert is being sent in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, as this incident represents a Clery Act crime that occurred on Clery Act geography and poses a serious or continuing threat to the campus community.

Fondling is defined as the touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age, or temporary or permanent incapacity. Liberty University has recently been made aware as far back as February and March of 2021, that an LU staff member reported that a previous employee had grabbed his genitals, while inside the LU Science building and LaHaye Fitness Center, without his consent. After hearing multiple reports from several male Liberty University students and affiliates involving the same offender who had been sexually harassed and/or fondled, the victim decided to come forward. The suspect has been identified but is currently not in custody. LUPD is aware of the allegations and are currently investigating. A campus wide/property ban is in progress.

If you are in immediate danger, call Liberty University Police Department at 434-592-3911 or call 9-1-1.

Be respectful of those around you. Ask for consent before touching someone else. Liberty University defines consent as, the voluntary and freely given agreement, through words and / or actions, to participate in a mutually agreed-upon sexual act. Consensual sexual activity happens when each person willingly affirms that they choose to participate.

For more information on Liberty University’s definition of consent as well as information on sexual misconduct, please visit Liberty University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy at: https://www.liberty.edu/title-ix/wp-content/uploads/sites/126/2022/09/Liberty-University-Sexual-Misconduct-Policy_Revised.pdf

For information on support resources, services and programs at Liberty University please see the Office of Equity and Compliance’s website or the Liberty University’s Office of Security and Public Safety.