Clery's parents believed the university failed to share vital information with its students regarding campus safety, and launched a campaign for legislative reform for several years following their daughter's death.

In 1988, Josoph Henry, another Lehigh University student, was convicted of murdering and raping Clery and was sentenced to death, but he later agreed to drop all appeals in exchange for life imprisonment without parole.

[1] The efforts of Clery's parents led to the 1990 passage of the Clery Act, a U.S. federal law requiring all universities and colleges that participate in federal student financial aid programs to report crime statistics, alert their respective campuses of imminent dangers, and distribute an Annual Campus Security Report to current and prospective students and employees, or face fines for failing to comply with the act.

Henry is believed to have gained access to Clery's room through the propped doors, which was left unlocked in anticipation of the return of her roommate.

[7] As Clery's parents, Connie and Howard, learned more about their daughter's death, they became convinced that her murder was the result of "slipshod" security on the Lehigh University campus.

The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses.