Josie Goodrich and USA Today Highlights National Push for Campus Safety Inspired by Lauren McCluskey 2023
USA Today Highlights Lauren McCluskey’s Legacy and Campus Safety Reform
In a feature published by USA Today, the story of Lauren McCluskey’s life and legacy is bringing renewed national attention to urgent campus safety reforms. The article details how Lauren, a University of Utah student-athlete, reported her stalker more than 20 times before she was tragically murdered in 2018. Despite her repeated pleas for help, systemic failures left her unprotected.
The piece underscores the growing movement for accountability in higher education, including the development of a Campus Safety Scorecard that will go beyond Clery Act compliance to assess whether universities are truly protecting students. The scorecard will measure institutional practices, support systems for victims, and police responsiveness.
The article also shares personal stories—from law enforcement officials working to reform broken systems to student advocates leading self-defense training—that reflect the broader impact Lauren’s story has had nationwide. Faculty at more than 280 universities have now adopted Lauren’s Promise: “I will listen and believe you if someone is threatening you.”
USA Today’s coverage affirms what so many already know—Lauren’s voice continues to spark change and inspire a culture of safety, action, and accountability on college campuses.
