Brown University police chief put on leave, Dept. of Education launches review of safety

Brown University is taking significant steps to enhance safety and security measures on campus following a tragic shooting incident that resulted in the loss of two students’ lives and left several others injured. The Ivy League institution’s proactive response comes in the wake of the Department of Education’s announcement of a review to assess potential Clery Act violations at the university.

As part of the safety measures, Rodney Chatman, the vice president for public safety and emergency management at Brown University, has been placed on immediate leave. In his absence, Hugh T. Clements, the former chief of police of the Providence Police Department, will serve as the interim chief of police.

President Christina H. Paxson has outlined a comprehensive approach to address immediate safety concerns, particularly during the winter break and in preparation for the upcoming semester in Spring 2026. A rapid response team is being deployed to ensure the campus remains secure, while external experts will conduct an after-action review of the shooting incident. This review will analyze the safety conditions leading up to the event, the university’s preparedness and response during the incident, and the effectiveness of emergency response efforts thereafter.

The Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid will investigate whether Brown University violated the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, a federal law that mandates specific safety and security requirements for institutions of higher education receiving federal student aid. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized the importance of upholding campus security obligations to protect students and provide adequate resources for law enforcement.

In addition to the federal review, Brown University is initiating its own external safety and security assessment of the campus. This assessment will evaluate existing policies, procedures, training, and security infrastructure, including building access, surveillance cameras, and other safety technologies. The university is committed to implementing necessary security enhancements based on the findings of both internal and external reviews.

The oversight of these reviews will be managed by a committee of the Corporation of Brown University, which will select the external organizations responsible for conducting the assessments. The university intends to share key findings with the campus community and the public to ensure transparency and accountability in addressing safety concerns.

Overall, Brown University’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, and staff. By collaborating with external experts and federal authorities, the university aims to strengthen its safety protocols and prevent future incidents, ultimately prioritizing the well-being of the entire campus community.