Brown University Police Chief Placed on Leave After Deadly Campus Shooting
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Brown University has placed its police chief, Rodney Chatman, on administrative leave following a deadly shooting on campus that resulted in two fatalities and nine injuries. The decision, announced by University President Christina H. Paxson on December 23, comes amid growing scrutiny over campus security measures and compliance with federal safety laws.
On December 13, 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente opened fire inside the Barus and Holley engineering and physics building, a tragedy that left five victims hospitalized in stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Brown community and raised urgent questions about the adequacy of campus security protocols.
In response to the shooting and concerns about institutional oversight, the Department of Education has initiated a formal investigation into Brown University for potential violations of the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, a federal law that mandates colleges and universities to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security policies as a condition of receiving federal student aid. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the administration’s commitment to student safety, stating, “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.” The Department of Education’s review aims to ensure that Brown has fulfilled its legal obligations to maintain campus security and transparency. More details on the Clery Act can be found on the Department of Education’s official site.
To oversee the university’s police operations during this critical period, former Providence Police Department Chief Hugh T. Clements has been appointed as interim police chief. President Paxson also announced an “After-Action Review” to assess the university’s response to the shooting and to identify improvements in campus safety. Among the announced security enhancements is the installation of additional surveillance cameras, including in the Barus and Holley building where the shooting occurred.
The shooting has also sparked debate about the university’s administrative priorities. Data compiled by the Brown Daily Herald reveals that President Paxson was the second-highest paid Ivy League president in 2023, with total compensation exceeding $3.1 million, marking a more than 700% increase since 2012. Critics argue that such financial figures highlight a potential misalignment between leadership compensation and investments in campus safety.
The tragedy has drawn national attention, with the Trump administration underscoring its dedication to enforcing campus safety laws. Secretary McMahon declared the administration’s intention to “fight to ensure that recipients of federal funding are vigorously protecting students’ safety and following security procedures as required under federal law.” This investigation aligns with broader federal efforts to hold educational institutions accountable for safeguarding their communities.
As Brown University grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, the focus remains on supporting the victims and restoring a sense of security on campus. The university is prioritizing the psychological and social well-being of students, faculty, and staff as it navigates this difficult chapter. For more information on campus safety regulations and federal enforcement, visit the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s violent crime resources.
The investigation and administrative changes at Brown University underscore the critical importance of vigilant campus security and transparent communication in preventing and responding to acts of violence. As the university community mourns, the federal government’s involvement signals a renewed emphasis on accountability and student protection nationwide.
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