Jerad David, director of communications and legislative affairs, shared insight into Nicholls’ safety protocols in the case of an active shooter.

Seven mass shootings occurred last week, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Their data did not include the Evergreen High School shooting on Wednesday.

These shootings, alongside the nationwide threat against HBCUs, have heightened alertness across Nicholls’ campus.

David shared information regarding the university policies and preventative measures.

University Police and security details collaborate to prevent incidents on campus like the fatal shooting of Republican political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday last week.

“For example,” David said. “When Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry held a press conference on our campus shortly after he took office, his security detail with the Louisiana State Police took command of event security and worked with our University Police.”

David added that University Police have an active shooter protocol. 

To ensure readiness in the event of an emergency, they work with departments on campus to hold training sessions so the campus community knows what to do in the event of an active shooter incident.

“University Police actively work to build relationships with outside law enforcement agencies to assist in emergency situations,” David said. “They also work to build relationships with our campus community.”

David said the University Police’s relationship with the campus community aims to break down barriers with individuals who have “preconceived negative opinion of law enforcement” or feel apprehension to report incidents and information to campus police.

“This has worked tremendously on our campus to let the community know University Police are here to help them,” David said. “That in turn helps keep our campus one of the safest in the state.”