Changes for Brown students as they return after deadly shooting
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — A little over a month after the deadly shooting at Brown University, students are back from winter break and have started a new semester.
Among a handful of safety and security improvements implemented by the university is a sea of support.
"I don't think I've ever given this many hugs in my life," said one student. "The love and support we've received from every faculty member, every TA, every person on campus, the places around us, and just everything has been amazing."
The support is felt not only on campus, but across the city.
"I feel like it's really been a blessing to be a part of Brown and also be part of Rhode Island, just knowing how much people care about us and love us," said senior Gisselle Gonzalez. "I just want to say thank you and god bless you all."
Across the city, are signs that read "PVD loves Brown."
"They are our residents for nine months of the year, four years of their life, sometimes the most formative four years of their life, so I hope they feel warmly embraced and strongly supported," said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.
On campus, a non-profit organization founded by students at the university, was offering free hugs and friendly conversation as a way to help their peers feel supported.
"We're just really here to spread love and joy and let students know they're not alone," said Ellison Mucharsky, a senior at Brown. "Throughout the semester, we're going to find moments of joy, and we're going to heal together."
The added security measures on campus include increased city and university police presence, more emergency phones, cameras, and required key cards to access buildings, just to name a few.
As for the building where the shooting happened, there have been changes inside.
Several lecture halls, classrooms, hallways and restrooms are closed and inaccessible to students and staff.
Additionally, there are cameras at all points of ingress and egress and door alarms to signal propped doors, according to a Brown University spokesperson.
"It does feel a little weird, we pride ourselves on this openness, but obviously when something like this happens, you got to do the best you can," said a student on campus.
Brown University President Christina Paxson sent a letter to students as the new semester begins.
She announced a university-wide memorial service scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7th at 4 p.m. to honor the two students who tragically died as a result of the shooting.
