University of Utah Sees Fluctuating Stalking Reports
Data shows 81 stalking reports at the University of Utah in 2025 after a peak of 131 cases in 2024.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Sex Crimes
The University of Utah recorded 81 stalking reports in 2025, following a significant rise in cases that reached 131 in 2024. The data reflects ongoing reporting patterns on the Salt Lake City campus.
Why it matters
University officials attribute the long-term increase in reports to enhanced awareness of stalking behaviors and greater student confidence that university processes take these claims seriously.
The university recorded 81 total stalking reports in 2025, with 21 of those occurring at the medical campus. This follows 131 total reports and 37 medical campus cases in 2024.
The players
Rebecca Walsh
She serves as the university communications director and has spoken to the factors driving recent changes in report volume.
Jill McCluskey
She has noted that the rise in reports reflects a growing belief among students that their safety concerns will be addressed.
The details
The university's reporting process involves filing a formal police report and initiating direct discussions with both the student and the alleged stalker. Students are encouraged to connect with victim advocates through the Center for Campus Wellness or the Department of Public Safety.
Timeline
October 2018: Lauren McCluskey was stalked and killed on campus.
2018: The university recorded 30 stalking reports.
2023: Stalking reports increased to 117.
2024: Stalking reports reached 131.
2025: Stalking reports decreased to 81.
Legal Context
These figures track alongside the university's institutional response to the 2018 death of Lauren McCluskey. The data reflects an evolution in how the campus handles incident reporting and student safety protocols since that period.
Students and faculty can access support services through the Department of Public Safety or the Center for Campus Wellness if they experience or witness stalking. These resources provide a pathway for formal reporting and victim advocacy for the campus community.
The takeaway
Understanding the university's reporting process is a critical step for students who may need to utilize victim advocacy resources. Consistent engagement with campus safety services helps ensure that potential stalking behaviors are identified and addressed early.
What happens next
The University of Utah 2026 annual report will be released in fall 2027.
Further reading
Find more information on local safety initiatives on the Salt Lake City Sex Crimes section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KJZZ.
