In the wake of a recent mass shooting, Brown University has suspended Police Chief Rodney Chatman and appointed Hugh T. Clements Jr. as the interim vice president of public safety. This position effectively makes Clements the university’s police chief.
Campus Safety Under Review
The U.S. Department of Education is launching an investigation to assess whether Brown University has fulfilled its obligations under the Clery Act, which requires the disclosure of campus crime statistics. The inquiry comes as Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed concerns regarding the university’s ability to maintain adequate campus security.
Background of the Investigation
This investigation follows a recent agreement in July between Brown and the Trump administration, aimed at restoring federal research funding and addressing complaints of insufficient action against harassment directed at Jewish students. Notably, this came after three investigations were settled.
Shooting Incident Details
The recent shooting involved a suspect named Claudio Manuel Neves Valente. Although police provided at least one video capturing Neves Valente leaving the scene, many students criticized the lack of additional footage during his attack.
- The suspect escaped into a residential neighborhood.
- Limited camera coverage was noted in older sections of the Barus and Holley building.
- Interior cameras did not cover the room or hallways where the shooting occurred.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha highlighted these concerns in a news conference. He pointed out that the older part of the building, constructed in the 1960s, had significantly fewer security cameras compared to newer sections.
Community Response and Actions
President Trump criticized Brown University’s security measures on social media, questioning the number of available security cameras. In response, university spokesman Brian Clark reassured the public that Brown maintains an extensive network of over 1,200 security cameras across its campus.
Additionally, a custodian reported having seen Neves Valente acting suspiciously weeks before the incident, but the outside security team on duty was not tasked with monitoring the building.
Future Measures for Enhanced Safety
In light of these events, President Christina Paxson emphasized the importance of leadership continuity and campus safety. Clements, who served as Providence’s police chief for 11 years, is expected to address these critical issues.
- Brown plans to establish a rapid response team to enhance security during breaks.
- An external “After-Action Review” will be conducted to assess safety procedures preceding and following the shooting.
- A comprehensive external security assessment of the campus will also be initiated, examining policies, procedures, and training.
The university is committed to ensuring that the outcomes of these assessments will be shared publicly, as part of its accountability efforts. Clements will report directly to President Paxson while working on these initiatives to foster a safer campus environment.
