Seton Hall released its Annual Security and Safety Report (ASR) on Wednesday, outlining campus safety protocols, procedures for reporting crimes, definitions of offenses, and statistics mandated by the federal Clery Act.
The 2024 data showed that sexual offenses made up the largest share of reported criminal offenses. Six rapes were reported, all occurring in on-campus housing, along with five incidents of fondling; three of which also took place in residence halls.
There were also three instances of dating violence and one case of domestic violence reported in 2024.
These figures mark not only the most prevalent category of reported crime for the year, but also an increase in sexual offense reports compared to previous years.
The number of reported rapes dropped from three in 2022 to zero in 2023. Reports of fondling also decreased from four to three over the same time period.
The rise in reported sexual offenses at SHU mirrors concerns that have persisted on campus for years. In 2022, the student organization “Protecting Pirates” was created to “provide a safe space for survivors and allies to share their experience,” according to their Instagram, which has been inactive since 2024.
The organization held a protest during an open house event on April 24, 2022, to demand action and transparency from SHU regarding sexual assault cases. Students held signs that read “I go here and I would never let my daughter go here,” and “Rapists allowed to work here.”
The catalyst for the protest was the story of former SHU student Emily Archibald, who said she transferred out of the university after a SHU official allegedly talked her out of pursuing an investigation into the man she accused of assaulting her.
According to the ASR, SHU offers several resources for victims of sexual and personal crimes, including counseling, medical care, academic or housing support, safety escorts and No Contact orders. Victims may choose to pursue criminal charges, file a campus complaint through the Student Conduct or EEO Compliance Offices or take no action. Investigations are handled by trained, impartial staff, and both parties may have advisors and appeal decisions. Sanctions for students found responsible can include probation, suspension, expulsion or additional educational and housing measures.
SHU officials stressed that disciplinary measures are just one part of a larger effort to keep the community safe.
“Seton Hall remains firmly committed to the safety and well-being of all members of our community,” Monica Burnette, vice president of student services, said.
“Through education, prevention programming such as our KNOW MORE and University Life modules, annual training, and close collaboration with law enforcement, we continue to work diligently to maintain a secure and supportive environment,” she added.
To read more about SHU’s resources on sexual violence and misconduct, click here.
In addition to sexual and domestic offenses, the ASR tracks reported hate crimes. In 2024, three incidents occurred in student housing, all involving racial intimidation.
According to the ASR, SHU “does not tolerate bias activity and will ensure that any reported incident is fully investigated.”
Students can report bias crimes to the South Orange Police Department or the SHU Department of Public Safety.
Other offenses saw different trends. Property-related crimes, such as burglary, showed some improvement; in 2024, only one burglary was reported, compared with four in 2023 and 11 in 2022.
Information on SHU’s on- and off-campus safety tips can be found here.
The full ASR can be found here.
Megan Pitt is the head editor of The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at megan.pitt@student.shu.edu.
