Boston University students mourn, increase awareness following attacks in Paris

by Sarah Kirkpatrick and Mina Corpuz


After the terrorist attacks in Paris that killed more than 129 and injured more than 300, Boston University students, faculty and administrators showed solidarity for the immediate BU community and all impacted by the tragedy.

BU Today reported that all BU students known to be in Paris are safe, and while evaluation of security is ongoing, there are no plans to end the study abroad program in Paris early.

According to BU Today, the University knows of 15 students in the Paris study abroad program, in addition to four law students and 11 students visiting Paris at the time from other study abroad programs in Europe.

BU President Robert A. Brown released a statement on Saturday regarding the attacks:

“Boston University staff have been hard at work reaching out to, and accounting for, all those members of our community in Paris or likely to have been in Paris ... We are also reaching out to those on our campus who because of personal ties to France may in some way be affected. We are deeply saddened that once again terror has claimed innocent lives and reminded us that hate and violence are abiding realities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of Paris and France.”

Study Abroad executive director Gareth McFeely sent a letter to BU students in the Paris program and their parents, via BU Today:

“BU staff based both in Paris and in Boston are monitoring the news closely ... We would like to assure you and your student that we have extensive emergency and communication plans in place. We anticipate significant delays and interruptions in local transportation, as well as an increased police and military presence, and searches at certain locations in the coming hours and days.”

Members of the BU community reached out to express their sympathy. BU students held a vigil on Marsh Plaza on Saturday to honor the people affected not only in Paris, but also in recent terrorist attacks in Beirut and Baghdad.

The Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center at BU held open office hours Monday morning to counsel students, and Marsh Chapel will have counselors and chaplains available for support Monday evening.

Some BU professors will additionally use the attacks as a learning opportunity. The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at BU will host a town hall meeting at 5 p.m. Monday to discuss the attacks.