Students removed during Board meeting protests

Police block entry for about 30 students rallying outside Harrison Institute to criticize June ouster, leadership

By Lizzy Turner | Nov 09

The disruption caused by the June ouster and subsequent reinstatement of University President Teresa Sullivan has not been forgotten, a demonstration held Thursday afternoon made clear. Protesters gathered on the street side of the Rotunda to push for increased transparency and accountability from the Board of Visitors. Hoos University, a student group concerned with the future of the University, led the event.

Arts & Sciences Graduate student Ajay Chandra broadcast the group’s demands with the help of a bullhorn. Chandra said the students would enter the Board meeting to communicate its demands to the University’s governing body in a respectful manner and would comply if asked to leave. “We don’t want to risk being arrested,” Chandra said.

Chandra then led the group to the Harrison Institute, where the Board meeting was taking place. The protesters waved signs that read, “The crisis is not over,” and “Our accreditation is at risk (Thanks a lot, Dragas).” The group propped open the doors of the building and congregated on the steps and within the entrance.
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Although the group intended for everyone involved in the demonstration to attend the Board meeting, only seven people were granted admission. By 1:05 p.m., University police arrived on the scene and entered the building. Moments later, the protesters were escorted outside by Associate Dean of Students Aaron Laushway.

The warnings intensified after the main portion of the meeting. The students went upstairs to the vestibule of the building, the Harrison Institute. With 18 armed UVA Police officers ushering protestors– and even media– outside, Associate Dean of Students Aaron Laushway was asked why they couldn't stay.

"If you try to come in the building, there will be consequences," said Laushway.

At least five times, Laushway was asked what the consequences might be. As the question was asked again and the tension escalating, Laushway finally produced a piece of paper whose text he read aloud.

He said students who failed to immediately disperse from the building might be breaking Virginia law and could face school sanctions "up to and including termination from the University."