In the early morning hours of Friday, April 26, a group of protesters reportedly gathered on Virginia Tech’s campus with signs and tents.
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) – As the current war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militants enters its seventh month, tensions are high at some universities here in the United States. It is steadily increasing. In the early morning hours of Friday, April 26, a group of protesters reportedly gathered on Virginia Tech’s campus with signs and tents.
The event is currently being held in the Graduate Life Center by a small group of “the university community and others not affiliated with Virginia Tech,” according to the university’s website.
There are currently no reports of assaults or injuries. In an online release, the university said the gathering was not pre-registered and did not comply with the Facilities Use and Events Policy (5000), which states:
“University facilities must be used in accordance with their intended purpose. They must be used preferentially for activities related to the mission of the university. Facilities must be used in accordance with their intended purpose. The University may restrict access to University facilities to protect individuals, property, and equipment. is intended for use by students, faculty, staff, and guests participating in University-approved programs or activities sponsored by or under the direction of the University, any of its affiliates or approved organizations.”
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Photo by Emmalie Williams. -
Photo by Emmalie Williams. -
Photo by Emmalie Williams.
Virginia Tech said it told protesters that all members of the community are expected to follow university policies and that temporary structures are prohibited without permission.
However, the university is now allowing the protests to continue peacefully.
Virginia Tech Police would like to remind all community members:
- Report any suspicious persons or situations by calling Virginia Tech Police at 540-382-4343 or, in emergencies, 911.
- For additional safety and security resources, please visit www.emergency.vt.edu for a variety of resources.
Members of the University community seeking support or assistance are encouraged to contact the following resources:
- timely care
- Cook Counseling Center (540-231-6557)
- Dean of Students (540-231-3787). Referrals to campus administrators can be made through this office.
- employee assistance program
- Anthem 855-223-9277
- Etna (888-238-6232)
- Kaiser Permanente (866-517-7042)
- Optima Health Vantage HMO (866-846-2682)
- Hokie Wellness: 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services (540-231-6205)
- Housing Welfare 540-231-1139
- Equity and Accessibility (540-231-2010)
- Virginia Tech Women’s Center (540-231-7806)
- University Ombuds Office (540-231-3125)
- Ombudsperson Graduate Office (540-231-9573)
WFXR News will continue to update you with more information as it becomes available.
