Eva Erickson, a Ph.D. student at Brown University, found herself in a terrifying situation recently. Just moments before an active shooter incident at her school, she had been in the Barus & Holley building. After leaving, she went to the gym on campus and received alarming news from a lab mate about the unfolding crisis. The campus quickly went into lockdown.
As she recalled, “They turned out all the lights, and everyone was just calling their parents to tell them they were OK.” For hours, she and others waited in the gym, feeling fear and uncertainty. They were finally moved to another building after hours of lockdown, and she was able to leave after midnight.
Erickson wasn’t aware of the person involved in the shooting and noted that many students were in the building for finals. Providence’s Mayor, Brett Smiley, explained that the outer doors were left unlocked due to the exam schedule, highlighting ongoing concerns about campus security.
These incidents spark a national conversation about safety in schools and universities. Recent data shows that gun violence has increased on campuses, raising alarms across the nation. A survey from the Pew Research Center indicates that 75% of young adults view gun violence as a major threat to their safety. This situation makes personal stories like Erickson’s even more poignant.
Reflecting on her experience, Erickson expressed deep sadness, stating, “I just felt such deep sadness. It could have been anyone I know.” She called for change, emphasizing that this crisis could happen anywhere and urging the need for better safety measures in schools.
As communities grapple with the anxiety surrounding gun violence, her story serves as a reminder of the shared vulnerability many students feel. It’s crucial to understand and address these fears within the context of broader societal issues. Adjusting policies and ensuring safe environments for students could help prevent such tragic events in the future.
For more insights on campus safety and gun violence, you can refer to the Pew Research Center.
