BLACKSBURG, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Dozens were arrested at  Va Tech last night at a pro-Palestinian protest that began as an encampment of about 30 people Friday that expanded to a protest of about 1000. The University issued a statement Sunday that the large protest and encampment on the lawn of the Graduate Life Center violates University facilities usage and event policies.

The statement updated last last night says, “Through constant dialogue between university officials, the Virginia Tech Police Department, and protest organizers, we were able to maintain a safe and peaceful environment through much of the weekend.”
“As Sunday progressed, protestors continued to refuse to comply with policy and took further steps to occupy the lawn of the Graduate Life Center and outdoor spaces next to Squires Student Center.”
“Given these actions by protesters, the university recognized that the situation had the increasing potential to become unsafe.”

Click here for the entire University statement.
Click here for photojournalist Justin Fleanors X posted video clips of the protest.