Providence shows support for Brown University students as they return to campus
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — As Brown University students return to campus after winter vacation tomorrow, weeks after the tragic campus shooting that killed two and injured 9 others, Providence is trying to show the university that it loves them and it welcomes them back.
Providence residents are putting up signs that read "PVD {<}3 BROWN" all across the city on their lawns, on their telephone poles, and at their businesses.
"This is a fabulous grassroots effort, but I heard about it by email," Providence Ward 2 City Councilor Jill Davidson said. "It has been amazing to see signs up all over the East Side and elsewhere in Providence. We really want students to know that we are here for them, we welcome them, we're here to help in any way we can."
"We really wanted them to just know that we were welcoming them back and were supportive of what they must be going through," Marlene Roberti, the executive director of the Fox Point Early Childhood Education Center, said.
60% of the families who send their children to the center are Brown-affiliated, either faculty, staff or students. The center also has a large number of volunteers from Brown University.
"We have strong ties to the community," Roberti said. "We love this community and we want to be supportive in any way that we can."
Children from the Fox Point center made their own signs, which hang in the windows of the center, which is housed in a Brown University building.
Brown University students said they are feeling a mix of emotions as they return to campus for the spring semester.
"I know this must be a really double-edged kind of time for them to come back." Roberti said. "They're excited about coming back, having a new semester, but certainly there's a lot going on."
Davidson said she hopes her Brown University neighbors see the signs across the city and hopes "it raises their spirits a little bit [and] gives a little bit of oomph and courage."
