Heather Bell
RADFORD – A student-led, on campus event scheduled for Saturday has elicited comments from some members of the Radford community about large gatherings in the COVID-19 world and criticism of the Radford University administration.
The Bigger Picture March and Rally, an on-campus event to bring awareness to issues of race and equality, will be held entirely on campus and only university-affiliated students faculty and staff will be permitted on campus. Mayor David Horton and Radford University President Brian Hemphill each made statements regarding the event this week.
“I wanted to address some concerns I have received regarding an on-campus program that is planned at Radford University for Saturday, Sept. 19,” said Horton in a written statement. “The Bigger Picture Rally and March has been mischaracterized as some type of national or even state-wide driven activity and that is not accurate.
“These are Radford student voices expressing their concerns about issues with race and equality while exploring ways to create a future where all people experience a just society regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, and so forth,” Horton continued.
“The City of Radford cannot regulate legal activities on the Radford University campus according to state law,” Horton said. “The Ordinance cannot and does not prohibit expressive activity such a peaceful protest. We have several activities that are exempt including church services and funerals, but in all the exemptions, we have stressed that appropriate COVID 19 safety measures should be followed with masks and social distancing. It is a challenging time to have such gatherings because it puts a responsibility on the organizers to limit the spread of the disease through their organization and execution of the program. Situations that have resulted in issues in Radford have not been about the event per se, but about not practicing appropriate safety measures to slow the spread of a dangerous virus.
“As Mayor, I have done my due diligence in checking to see what safety protocols are in place for the program and how people can be kept safe,” he added. “Event organizers are working to keep people spread out, wearing masks and are even sanitizing podiums and microphones between uses. We are working with the proper authorities to ensure the safety of our community around campus and throughout Radford. Radford City Police and Radford University Police are in close contact and have support of additional law enforcement agencies. I will ask all of us as citizens of this community to help us drown out the hateful rhetoric that is being spread regarding this program.”
Hemphill also responded to concerns and rhetoric that have been expressed on social media and in other ways this week.
“Earlier this week, I sent a message to main campus students… and expressed my strong support for a group of students and shared my personal experiences,” Hemphill said in a written statement. “Since that time, there has been a great deal of debate and discussion on social media and in the broader community. Individuals have taken my letter out of context and, in some cases, utilized it as a means to promote their personal agendas. This has caused both robust dialogue and significant disruption.
“Since the distribution of Monday’s message, the University has received many messages of both concern and support,”Hemphill continued. “As such, I want to share additional information in order to dispel rumors that seem to be quickly spreading both on and off campus. As a higher education institution, it is our mission to fuel intellectual discovery and foster supportive communities. These tenants represent the very foundation of our teaching, research, and service mission. More importantly, they are critical components in learning about differences, promoting civility, and engaging in respectful discourse.
The Bigger Picture March and Rally is not an external event. It is not being led or organized by a national organization or anyone who is not affiliated with the University. It is an event that is being led and organized by our students who have a desire and right to express their beliefs and perspectives in accordance with the University’s Free Speech Policy and the founding principles of our country. The students have committed to do so in a peaceful and respectful manner, and the University will have measures in place to support their commitment. Additionally, only Radford University students, faculty, and staff will be provided access to campus. This is consistent with the University’s visitor guidelines and pre-registration requirements. Consistent with public health guidance, Saturday’s outdoor event will require mandatory face coverings and physical distancing. The student organizers have committed to following the masking and distancing requirements and ensuring all event attendees do the same. Individuals refusing to wear face coverings or maintain physical distancing will not be permitted to participate.
In order to ensure the event is held in the safest format possible due to the COVID-19 global health pandemic, the University is assisting student organizers with the overall event structure and various logistical details. Despite the University’s gathering limitation, the event is moving forward due to the University’s Free Speech Policy and is modeling the practices and structures of other peaceful demonstrations that have been safely and successfully held during the pandemic.
As the proud leader of a student-centered institution, I will be in attendance at Saturday’s event as a sign of my respect and support for our students. Contrary to various reports, I did not encourage, recommend, or require any individuals to participate in the event. Our student organizers have done an outstanding job of sharing their message and promoting their event. With differing opinions and opposing voices, we must show care and respect for one another.”