University of Memphis to reopen Sunday after closing in wake of Tyre Nichols footage release
Update: This story has been updated with news from the university that operations will resume normally on Sunday.
The University of Memphis will resume normal hours on Sunday.
The University of Memphis campuses closed Saturday and were initially closed 'until further notice,' according to the university, in a response to release of video footage showing police officers beating Tyre Nichols, who later died.
The university planned an early closure on Friday, a little over an hour ahead of the planned publication of the footage by city officials. Protests in Memphis on Friday evening were non-violent and did not occur near the U of M.
"As our community continues to try to cope with the events surrounding the death of Tyre Nichols, we share the heartbreak being felt throughout our city," university officials wrote in the campus alert.
The Saturday closures impacted Memphis locations, but do not affect residence halls or the University Center, library or Tiger Den. Dining halls are back to normal hours on Saturday, the university said. (Operating hours are online here.) On Sunday, campus facilities can be accessed with regular credentials.
More:Tennessee Democrats to propose police reform legislation following death of Tyre Nichols
From Friday:Schools, universities across Memphis to close early
"University officials are continuing to closely monitor any potential safety concerns that may arise as the safety of our campus community remains our top priority," the alert concluded, adding reopening updates would be shared "as soon as possible."
Memphis-Shelby County Schools canceled Saturday events as well.
Other colleges and universities altered Friday operations.
The footage, which came from a SkyCop camera and officers' body cameras, is split into four videos.
The videos have been described by law enforcement and attorneys for Nichols' family as "absolutely appalling," "alarming," and "unconscionable."
Laura Testino covers education and children's issues for the Commercial Appeal. Reach her at laura.testino@commercialappeal.com. Find her on Twitter: @LDTestino
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tyre Nichols footage: University of Memphis to reopen Sunday
