Pro-Palestine protestors gather on Virginia Tech campus

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) — As the current war in GAZA between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups enters its seventh month, tensions at several universities here in the U.S. have steadily increased. Early morning on Friday, April 26, a group of protestors was reported to have gathered with signs and tents on the campus of Virginia Tech.

The university’s website states the event is currently being held by a small group of the “university community and others not affiliated with Virginia Tech” at the Graduate Life Center.

There are currently no reports of violence or any injuries. In a release online, the university said the gathering was not preregistered and not compliant with Facilities Usage and Events Policy (5000), which states the following:

“University facilities are to be used in a manner consistent with their intended purpose.  Priority of use must be given to those activities related to the mission of the university.  The facilities must be used in a safe, professional manner so as not to endanger the university community or the public. The university may restrict access to land and buildings to protect individuals, property, and equipment. The facilities of the university are intended for the use of its students, faculty, staff, and guests participating in university-approved programs or activities, sponsored by or under the direction of the university or one of its related agencies or approved organizations.”

Virginia Tech says they have told the protestors that all members of the community are expected to follow university policy and temporary structures are prohibited without approval.

However, the university is currently allowing the protest to continue peacefully. Student organizers tell WFXR that Virginia Tech police say they are allowed to stay. However, they are told that all tents must come down at 8:30 p.m.

Despite this, organizers say they hope to have a ‘sit-in’ for three or four days.

Virginia Tech Police would like to remind all community members of the following:

• Call Virginia Tech Police at 540-382-4343, or 911 if an emergency, to report all suspicious people and circumstances.

• For additional safety and security resources, visit www.emergency.vt.edu for a wide range of resources.

Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:

• TimelyCare

• Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557

• Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.

• Employee Assistance Program

  • Anthem at 855-223-9277

  • Aetna at 888-238-6232

  • Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042

  • Optima Health Vantage HMO at 866-846-2682

• Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)

• Housing Services at 540-231-6205

• Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139

• Equity and Accessibility at  540-231-2010

• Women’s Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806

• University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125

• Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573

WFXR News will continue to update you with more information as it becomes available.

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