Brown University Police Chief Rodney Chatman is officially on leave following a mass shooting that resulted in the tragic deaths of two students and injuries to nine others in Providence, Rhode Island. This incident, which occurred on December 13, led to significant security concerns and prompted a review of campus safety protocols.
Review of Campus Safety Initiated
In a statement released on Monday evening, school president Christina Paxson confirmed that a comprehensive review of campus safety measures and the university’s response to the incident would be conducted. This action is standard procedure following such events.
Leadership Changes During Review
With Chatman on leave, former Providence Police Chief Hugh T. Clements has been appointed as the interim chief for public safety and police. Chatman, who has served since 2021, has prior experience in campus safety at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Utah.
Immediate Security Enhancements
To address safety concerns, Brown University has announced several immediate measures. Key actions include:
- Installation of additional security cameras across the campus.
- Focus on the Barus & Holley engineering building, the site of the shooting, to enhance security measures.
Previous reports indicated that the manhunt for the shooter was hindered by insufficient surveillance footage in the vicinity.
Federal Review of Safety Standards
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education has initiated a “program review” of Brown University. This investigation aims to determine whether the institution met the necessary safety standards to qualify for federal student aid. Concerns were raised regarding the university’s ability to provide information about the shooter shortly after the incident.
Commitment to Student Safety
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the need for universities to ensure student safety. She stated, “Students deserve to feel safe at school, and every university across this nation must protect their students and be equipped with adequate resources to aid law enforcement.”
This mass shooting incident has sparked dialogues on campus safety, and both Brown University and federal authorities are taking steps to address the concerns raised by the community.
