A new public safety report indicates that Fairfield University oversaw a substantial increase in sexual offenses and motor vehicle parts tampering during the year 2023. The 47-page report dubbed the Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report, was sent to all students in the early hours of September 30 as part of the federal requirement under the Clery Act.
According to the public document, Fairfield’s North Benson campus saw eight reported sexual offenses, four more than those reported in the 2022 crime report. Of the eight, three were categorized as rape. It is unclear when the incidents occurred or if any criminal charges resulted from the incidents.
The report also documented a significant rise in “forcible fondling” since the university started recording the offense in 2022. This year’s report showed four cases of fondling compared to the sole reported case in the 2022 statistics.
Additionally, the report shows that while there was a decline in reported cases of dating violence, there was an increase in reported stalking crimes.
“It is important to note that the incidents reported under the Clery Act are based on reports, not confirmed cases, and the University is committed to thoroughly investigating each report with care and sensitivity,” said Jennifer Anderson, Fairfield’s vice president of marketing and communication in a written statement to The Rearview. “We emphasize education, awareness, and support to ensure our campus remains a safe and respectful environment for all members of our community.”
Data obtained by The Rearview from the last ten years of incidents reported under the category of sexual offenses signaled a substantial increase in incidents reported by Fairfield’s Department of Public Safety. The eight reports made in 2023 represent the same number of sexual offenses reported on campus as in 2018 and 2019.
In response to the increase in sexual offenses on campus, Anderson, who is a Fairfield alum, emphasized that the university “prioritizes” sexual assault prevention and awareness education programs for students and employees.
“These programs, available online and in-person, address sexual harassment, assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation, and emphasize the importance of consent,” she said. “In addition, we offer ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns and safe bystander intervention training, continuously reinforcing our commitment to maintaining a safe, supportive campus for all.
Students and community members are encouraged to report sexual harassment and discriminatory behaviors to the Equity and Title IX office. To make a report, students can send an email to equity@fairfield.edu, use the online Title IX reporting form, or call 203-354-HELP.
Any form of unwanted physical contact is a violation of personal boundaries and dignity, and Fairfield University remains committed to addressing and preventing all instances of sexual misconduct.
Jennifer Anderson ’97, ’02 MBA
While the number of sexual offenses is on the rise, the report also illuminated the effects of catalytic converter theft, which made headlines in 2023 and was the topic of multiple Fizz posts. According to the safety report, “motor vehicle parts and accessories tampering” saw a 400% increase, from two cases reported in 2022 to 10 cases in 2023.
The highest number of reported incidents were for liquor law disciplinary referrals, which saw a 30% decrease during 2023. No arrests were made for liquor law violations. The only arrest reported in 2023 was attributed, according to The Fairfield Mirror, to a molotov cocktail released in Gauert Field, the rugby field next to the Fairfield Prep parking lot.
The Jeanne Clery Act is a federal law passed in 1990 that requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data and outline policies they have implemented to improve campus safety. As part of the requirement, colleges receiving public funding must share an annual security report that includes three years’ worth of campus crime statistics.
To review the full 2024 Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report, the public can visit fairfield.edu/clery.
Julian Nazario 