“Never has the world needed Hokies more.” Virginia Tech president reacts to campus protest arrests

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Virginia Tech President Tim Sands has issued a statement regarding the arrests of 82 people on campus Sunday night, protesting the loss of Palestinian and civilian lives during the war in Gaza. (An earlier report from the university indicated 92 people had been arrested.)

Sands’ statement is as follows:

Today I am troubled by the divisions in our community, as we find ourselves faced with challenges and conflicts that are painful, difficult to manage, and nearly impossible to communicate about when emotions are high.

Last night, 82 protesters (largely students) were arrested for trespassing after occupying the Graduate Life Center lawn for three days and repeatedly refusing to comply with university policy and public safety regulations. While I am grateful the incident was resolved peacefully by Virginia Tech Police, I was saddened by the way our officers were treated. I am also deeply disappointed to see members of our community choose uncivil and unlawful behavior over purposeful engagement in difficult conversations and robust debate that should be part of the Virginia Tech experience.

Virginia Tech strongly supports free speech, even when the content of that speech may be disagreeable to some. However, those rights do not extend beyond the point where they interfere with the rights of others, violate our policies, the Code of Virginia, or federal laws and/or create a threat to safety for others.

There have been many opportunities to engage in civil discussions. Since Oct. 7 of last year, I have met with the Students for Peace and Justice in Palestine, the Muslim Student Association, the Middle Eastern and North African Student Association, and Hillel at Virginia Tech. I have met with undergraduate and graduate student leaders, and the Faculty Senate. During the Board of Visitors meeting on April 9, I attempted to engage the masked protestors in conversation, but was shouted down.

Despite my disappointment in the behavior of some, I am heartened by those who are working to bring us together, and the strength of the ties that bind us as a community.

I am proud of our Student Affairs team who help and support our students and listen to their concerns. I am thankful for our strong commitment to our students’ academic success, health and well-being, and experiences that prepare them for future success. I am grateful to those who, in the reality of a divided global landscape, aspire to be part of the solution by giving our students the skills to navigate the world and make it better. And I appreciate those who choose peaceful, respectful protest, and seek to understand others through difficult, yet civil discourse across differences.

Looking toward the end of the semester, as students, faculty, and staff finish their year-end work and we prepare to celebrate the achievements of our graduates at their commencement ceremonies, we must commit to respect others and the continued growth of the campus we call home — a place that is understanding and safe, where all can learn and contribute to the world.

Never has the world needed Hokies more.

Tim Sands, President

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