BLACKSBURG, Va. – Days after President Biden signed a $95 billion foreign aid bill that includes money for Israel, protests and demonstrations have emerged on college campuses.
Here at home, a pro-Palestinian encampment was set up on Virginia Tech’s campus. Signs at the encampment say things like ‘Cease fire now,’ and ‘Gaza liberation.’
Virginia Tech released the following response to the demonstrations on the lawn of the Graduate Life Center.
“This gathering was not a registered event consistent with university policy. University officials and Virginia Tech Police responded on site to explain the university’s facility use and event policy (University Policy 5000) and related public safety policies. The university will continue to act in accordance with its policies.”
“...The safety and welfare of all members of the Virginia Tech community is the university’s primary responsibility while we remain unequivocally committed to upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom. This is expressed and upheld through our Principles of Community.”
Virginia Tech spokesperson Mark Owczarski