US Education Department to review Brown University: Clery Act compliance questioned after December shooting

The tragic shooting at Brown University on December 13, 2025, shook the campus community and left the nation grappling with yet another reminder of the risks students face on college campuses. Two young lives were lost that day, and the incident has sparked urgent questions about safety protocols and emergency preparedness at universities across the country. In response, the U.S. Department of Education has announced a federal review of Brown University, one of the nation’s prestigious Ivy League institutions.

The review will focus on whether the university upheld its responsibilities under the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act—a federal law that requires colleges to maintain robust safety measures, report crimes accurately, and alert students and staff promptly when emergencies arise. With students and families looking for answers, this review is set to examine not just the events of that day, but the systems and policies meant to keep campus communities safe.

Gaps in security and delayed alerts

In the hours after the shooting, troubling reports emerged. Surveillance cameras apparently failed to capture the suspect’s movements, and many students and staff said they did not receive timely emergency alerts about the active shooter. For a university of Brown’s standing, these are serious questions. If these reports are accurate, they point to lapses in security protocols at a critical moment.

The Clery Act is designed to prevent precisely this kind of failure. It requires universities not just to record crime statistics, but to act swiftly when a threat arises, keeping the campus community informed and safe.

A message from the Education Secretary

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon spoke candidly about the Department’s response. “After two students were tragically killed at Brown University, we are reviewing the university to see if it has fulfilled its legal obligations,” she said. Her message was clear: universities receiving federal aid must prioritize safety, maintain proper systems, and work closely with law enforcement when emergencies occur.

What Brown needs to submit

The review is extensive. By January 30, 2026, Brown must provide detailed records, including its 2024 and 2025 Annual Security Reports and proof they were shared with students and staff. The Department has also requested all records of crimes, arrests, and disciplinary actions related to weapons, drugs, and alcohol from 2021 to 2024.

Additionally, Brown must provide daily crime logs, dispatch and activity records from campus police, and a list of all emergency notifications and timely warnings issued over the past five years. Internal safety policies, assessments of campus security, and standard operating procedures for responding to active shooter situations are also part of the review.

Why the Clery Act matters

At its core, the Clery Act exists to keep students safe. It ensures transparency and accountability. Universities are expected to report crimes accurately, issue timely alerts, and maintain emergency protocols. Non-compliance can result in fines and mandatory changes—measures designed to prevent tragedies and protect students.

For universities beyond Brown

For Brown, this review could have serious consequences, including fines or required changes to safety procedures. But the wider message is clear: all universities must treat campus safety as a responsibility, not a box to check. Students and staff deserve to feel secure, and institutions have to be ready to act when emergencies strike.

Looking ahead

The Department’s review will be closely watched, not just for what it uncovers at Brown, but for the precedent it sets. Campus safety is not just policy—it is a promise to every student who walks through the doors of a university. And as this review unfolds, universities across the country will be reminded of the stakes: vigilance, preparation, and transparency are not optional—they are essential.
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