Dear Members of the Virginia Tech Community,

The rally of white supremacists and neo-fascists in Charlottesville this past weekend has shaken everyone to the core. The loss of three precious lives, and the open and aggressive display of hate harkens back to darker days in our nation and around the world. Fundamentally, the hate that leads human beings to claim superiority on the basis of race, ethnicity, or any other dimension of identity, is born of ignorance.  The only cure is education, and that is why Virginia Tech and our sister institutions of higher education must take up this task with increasing intensity. It is not enough to simply accept those who show up at our door. We are privileged to be part of a globally engaged research university. As educators and students, it is our responsibility to redouble our efforts to enrich our communities, and advocate the principles of inclusion and diversity to everyone within our reach, including the K-12 schools in Virginia and around the world.

For those in our community who feel threatened, disheartened or confused by the events we have witnessed in the neighborhood of a partner institution, know that we will do everything in our power to protect your right to live, work, play, and speak freely and without fear at Virginia Tech. We know that the towns and cities that host our facilities and programs are also committed to your safety and freedom. While our Principles of Community hold up the freedom of speech, they also require that we do not tolerate violence, intimidation, and terrorism masquerading as this fundamental right.

Tim Sands
President
 
Dennis H. Treacy
Rector, Virginia Tech Board of Visitors 

Those in the university community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support may contact:

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