Photos by Lori Graham.
Heather Bell
BLACKSBURG – Dozens of people were arrested overnight on Sunday from the site of a dayslong protest on the campus of Virginia Tech regarding the actions of Israel in Gaza.
On Friday, the protestors began to gather on the lawn of the Graduate Life Center and were allowed to stay until Sunday.
“Virginia Tech officials informed the protestors that the gathering was in violation of University Policy 5000 (University Facilities Usage and Events). Virginia Tech values free speech and the protestors’ right to be heard, but only if the rights of others and public safety can be assured,” according to a statement released by Virginia Tech. “Through constant dialogue between university officials, the Virginia Tech Police Department, and protest organizers, we were able to maintain a safe and peaceful environment through much of the weekend.”
As the numbers of protestors grew, both on the lawn of the Graduate Life Center and on the outdoor spaces next to Squires Student Center “the university recognized that the situation had the increasing potential to become unsafe,” according to Virginia Tech.
“Those who gathered were advised by university officials to remove their possessions and to disperse voluntarily; those who failed to comply were then approached by Virginia Tech Police and were again asked to leave and advised that anyone who failed to comply would be charged with trespassing, in accordance with Virginia law,” the statement continued. “At approximately 10:15 p.m., police approached protesters to ask them to disperse within five minutes. Those who remained were subject to arrest.”
On Friday, Delegate Chris Obenshain (R-Montgomery) released a statement on the Virginia Tech encampment.
“Even when we disagree about the issues, I support the rights of all citizens to speak freely and peaceably assemble as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution. Provided that the students at Virginia Tech remain peaceful, they should be free to exercise those rights,” said Obenshain. “I urge the administration at Virginia Tech to be vigilant for the threats of violence against Jewish students and anti-semitism that has characterized similar protests at other universities. Virginia Tech should have zero tolerance for threats, intimidation, or acts of terrorism on campus. Students, faculty, and staff all deserve to be safe in Blacksburg and should not become targets for hate-filled abuse due to their race or nationality. Impeding the rights of others to freely live, learn, and work on campus should be met with swift consequences.”
Monday, several protestors remained near the site of the original protest.
