Unmasking Campus Justice: Landmark Lawsuit Challenges Brown University Police Secrecy in Sexual Assault Case

A critical legal battle is unfolding that could redefine accountability for campus police nationwide, as Brown University faces a landmark lawsuit filed by a former student alleging a severe lack of transparency and mishandling of a sexual assault report. The suit, brought by Sasha Herman, a former Brown student, thrusts the opaque practices of university public safety departments into the spotlight, sparking a crucial debate about whether these forces should operate with the same public scrutiny as municipal police.

Herman's lawsuit, filed in February 2024, paints a troubling picture of her experience after reporting a sexual assault in 2020.

She alleges that Brown's Department of Public Safety (DPS) failed to conduct a proper investigation, withheld vital information, and generally treated her case with a disturbing lack of diligence. This personal tragedy has now evolved into a broader crusade for justice and transparency, challenging the very foundation of how campus security entities operate.

At the heart of the legal dispute is Brown University's assertion that its DPS acts as a private entity, thereby exempt from the public records laws that typically govern city police departments.

This stance has long been a point of contention for advocates, who argue that campus police, with their arrest powers, use of firearms, and quasi-governmental function within a major educational institution, should be subject to the same level of public accountability. The lawsuit contends that because DPS officers possess the authority to arrest and detain, and are funded by an institution with a public mission, their operations should not be shrouded in secrecy.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island has thrown its significant weight behind Herman's case, emphasizing the profound implications for student safety and civil liberties.

The ACLU argues that the current lack of transparency creates an environment where incidents can be overlooked, investigations can be insufficient, and victims can be left without recourse or proper information. They assert that greater accountability is essential for building trust between campus police and the student community, particularly in sensitive cases like sexual assault.

This case extends beyond Brown University, setting a potential precedent for how campus police departments across the country are viewed and regulated.

If successful, Herman's lawsuit could compel universities nationwide to open their public safety records to greater public and legal scrutiny, fostering an environment of increased accountability and, hopefully, more just outcomes for students. It underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of campus safety protocols, ensuring that the pursuit of justice is never hampered by institutional secrecy.