Message From the President: Jefferson Square

The following message is from the Office of the President:

UMW Campus Community,

I am writing to follow up on this weekend's encampment on Jefferson Square that started Friday, April 26.

The event organizers were welcome to demonstrate and protest following UMW's policy on Expressive Activity By Members of the University Community, which supports the right of individual students, student organizations, faculty, and staff to dissent and to demonstrate, providing such activities do not disrupt normal campus operations, obstruct free access to University buildings, or unreasonably infringe upon the rights of others.

Attendees were told on Friday afternoon that they could stay through the duration of the event as long as they adhered to University policies, as well as state laws and regulations. As the event evolved and an invitation extended the encampment to the public to stay on campus, additional safety and security concerns emerged. A threat assessment took into account several data points and voices resulting in additional safety guidelines communicated to the event organizers Friday afternoon. Considering all of these factors, the encampment was prohibited, and the tents were not permitted.

Once the tents were taken down by participants as requested Friday at 8:30 p.m., the peaceful protest continued through the night and on Saturday. During the day on Saturday, health and safety concerns began to emerge from the event as well as increased concerns for campus community members, as outside influence was further invited to campus to grow the encampment.

The tents were put back up on Saturday afternoon, against the guidelines provided. On Saturday evening, the event was canceled and attendees were instructed to leave the area. After some time, 12 individuals remained in Jefferson Square and were arrested for trespassing, including 9 students.

We remain committed to working with our campus community members to facilitate peaceful expression, and we welcome individuals and families to our campus for public events, including demonstrations, when those activities abide by policies and regulations. Events that do not follow instructions, attempt to disrupt classes or activities, or endanger the health, safety, and security of our campus community will not be allowed.

We are mindful that we are in the midst of reading days and heading into exam week. We do not seek punitive action toward our students with the end of the semester and commencement so close. We will be continuing this conversation, extending grace and understanding, and bringing the resources together to help us all heal.

We appreciate the work of our campus community to reset following the weekend's events and to be ready for exam week in full support of our students' academic endeavors and the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. For those who seek additional resources, the Talley Center for Counseling Services has many resources available online. UMW students also have on-demand, free access to mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via TimelyCare, accessed online via a web browser or app. Go to timelycare.com/umw or download the TimelyCare app to access care, and note you'll use "umw.edu" (not "mail.umw.edu") as the end of your email address to log in. For faculty and staff, information about the Employee Assistance Program, which is available at no cost with state employee health insurance plans, may be accessed through the Human Resources website. If anyone has any concerns about their safety, you can contact UMW Police: (540) 654-1025 (non-emergency); in an emergency - dial 4444 from any campus phone or dial (540) 654-4444 on your phone.

Troy D. Paino, J.D., Ph.D.
President

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