Brown University Seeks Legal Counsel After Campus Shooting
Providence, RI – Brown University has enlisted the expertise of Zachary Cunha, a former federal prosecutor, to bolster its legal team following a mass shooting on campus last week. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others.
In a released statement, Brown University officials explained that they “routinely work with outside counsel whose expertise complements that of the University’s Office of the General Counsel. In this case, we retained Zachary Cunha, the former United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island, to assist the University in coordinating with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.”
Cunha, who recently left his position as U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island, joined the law firm Nixon Peabody earlier this year. His experience in federal law is expected to be a valuable asset to the university as it navigates the legal complexities surrounding the shooting.
The decision to seek additional legal counsel comes as Brown University faces increasing questions regarding its security protocols and response to the incident. Concerns have been raised about the timing and accuracy of emergency alerts sent to students, as well as the absence of audible emergency sirens during the attack.
Recent reports indicate that campus security has faced multiple complaints in the months leading up to the shooting. Issues raised include allegations that the school was not disclosing information surrounding bomb and shooting threats across campus, and that the level of security has decreased significantly. In October, the school’s Security Patrolperson’s Association issued a vote of confidence in the university’s director of public safety and emergency management.
Adding to the controversy, the public safety department reportedly reduced the number of officers in the field in order to add to the number of administrative positions. The Patrolperson’s Association stated that this decision “directly contributed to an all-time low in morale and has strained the department’s ability to effectively serve the Brown University community.”
These reported security lapses could lead to legal challenges for the university. Several law firms have already begun seeking potential plaintiffs for civil lawsuits related to the shooting, according to reports in the Providence Journal.
The situation at Brown University highlights the importance of campus security and the need for clear and effective emergency response protocols. As the investigation continues and legal proceedings potentially unfold, the university faces the challenge of addressing these concerns while ensuring the safety and well-being of its students and staff.
Many are asking whether Brown University has taken the appropriate steps to keep its students safe. Some believe the school has failed in this area, leaving students and their families vulnerable. As the investigation proceeds, more information will come to light about whether the university could have prevented this tragedy. This is a time for thoughtful consideration of the role that colleges and universities play in protecting those entrusted to their care.
