Reading between the lines of Chapman’s crime report

Illustration by Lexi Forman, Cartoonist

Reports of stalking on Chapman University’s Orange campus more than doubled in 2025, while reported fondling increased from two to seven, according to the university’s annual security report released Oct. 1.

The 2026 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report, which includes crime statistics for 2023 through 2025, lists 11 on-campus stalking reports in 2025, up from five in 2024. Six of the seven reported fondling offenses occurred in student housing.

“Safety remains a top priority at Chapman University, and we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for our entire community,” said Bob Hitchcock, Chapman’s senior director of strategic communications.

Ricardo Gonzalez, Chapman’s chief of Public Safety, said social media has played a role in some reported stalking incidents, including cases involving repeated unwanted messages through social media platforms. 

Gonzalez also pointed to differences between the federal Clery Act’s broader definition of stalking compared to California’s legal definition. 

“As a result, some incidents may meet the criteria for Clery Act reporting without meeting the legal requirements for prosecution as stalking under California law,” Gonzalez said.

The report also lists four on-campus hazing incidents, including one in student housing. Reported on-campus rape offenses decreased from two in 2024 to one in 2025, while three were reported at properties classified as non-campus. Five dating violence reports were recorded at non-campus properties, and two on campus.

Regarding the seven reported fondling incidents, Gonzalez said one was reported to Public Safety, while the remaining incidents were reported to the university’s Title IX office. 

“In all cases, the reporting party and the respondent knew each other,” Gonzalez said. 

Hitchcock emphasized that the statistics reflect incidents within the report’s geographic reporting categories and do not necessarily identify the university affiliation of those involved.

“As a result, not every incident reflected in the statistics necessarily involves a Chapman student or employee,” said Hitchcock.

According to Chapman University’s enrollment data, the university has approximately 9,760 students. However, the crime reports include incidents involving people who may not be affiliated with Chapman, meaning the figures do not necessarily reflect crimes involving students. 

For comparison, Loyola Marymount University (LMU), a similarly sized private university in Los Angeles with 8,922 students, reported 16 on-campus stalking incidents in 2025, compared to 11 at Chapman, according to its 2026 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Chapman reported seven fondling incidents and four hazing incidents, while LMU reported two of each. However, differences in enrollment, campus size and reporting practices make it difficult to directly compare the universities’ safety records. 

Although Chapman reported more stalking incidents in 2025 than the previous year, Gonzalez cautioned against drawing conclusions about broader campus safety trends from the figures alone.  

“While the increase in reported incidents warrants attention, the available information indicates that the reporting parties and respondents knew each other or had previously been in a dating relationship,” Gonzalez said. 

Gonzalez added that Chapman takes all reports seriously and remains committed to prevention efforts, reporting resources and support for those affected. 

“Overall, incidents involving Chapman students remain relatively low, and we remain focused on prevention, education, support and maintaining a safe campus environment,” said Hitchcock.