Executive Summary
- State Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee is calling for a statewide review of university active shooter policies to ensure uniformity.
- The initiative follows a deadly shooting at Brown University that left two dead and nine injured.
- Current Rhode Island laws do not mandate standardized safety protocols for higher education institutions.
- The University of Rhode Island has cancelled remaining in-person exams in response to the ongoing threat.
KINGSTON, R.I. — Following a shooting at Brown University that resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others, Rhode Island State Representative Carol Hagan McEntee has announced an initiative to review and potentially standardize active shooter policies across all colleges and universities in the state. The move comes as the alleged gunman remains at large, prompting heightened security and anxiety across regional campuses.
Representative McEntee (D-South Kingstown), who serves as Chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee, stated that she intends to formally request a review of safety procedures to evaluate the consistency of emergency responses. According to McEntee, establishing uniformity in active shooter protocols is essential for facilitating effective law enforcement intervention. “If there is uniformity, it would be better at a minimum for assisting police,” McEntee said, emphasizing the need for a standardized approach to aid first responders.
Currently, a review of state and federal regulations indicates that there are no mandatory, uniform active shooter guidelines that Rhode Island higher education institutions must follow. Consequently, various campuses employ differing training strategies for students and faculty. For instance, Brown University and Johnson and Wales University utilize the “Run, Hide, Fight” model, while other institutions may adopt different tactics. McEntee described the recent violence as a “terrible tragedy” and noted that while she hopes legislation is not necessary, she is prepared to support it if required to ensure campus safety.
In response to the violence at Brown University and the ongoing manhunt, the University of Rhode Island (URI) has taken immediate operational steps to secure its campus. URI President Marc Parlange and Provost Barbara Wolfe announced the cancellation of all remaining in-person exams for the Fall 2025 semester. In a statement to the community, university leadership cited the need for compassion and flexibility, prioritizing the emotional well-being of students and staff over operational continuity while the suspect remains at large.
Legislative and Safety Implications
The call for a statewide review suggests a potential pivot toward centralized oversight of campus security in Rhode Island, an area traditionally left to the discretion of individual institutions. If the legislature moves to standardize protocols, it could establish a legal baseline for emergency preparedness, ensuring that police encounter consistent procedures regardless of the specific campus. This shift would aim to reduce confusion during multi-agency responses to mass casualty events. It is important to note that any individuals suspected of involvement in the shooting are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
