CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – With a protest to demand the University of Virginia divest from Israel slated for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, several dozen decided to gather and protest the war in Gaza on Tuesday evening.

The group initially set up tents. After being reminded that tents are prohibited, they agreed to take them down and not use amplified sounds. As of 12:00 a.m. Monday, May 1, there were no incidents or unrest.

On a look-see just before 5:30am, there were still no tents or amplification, with the gathering looking like a group of people sitting quietly outside on lawn chairs in an early morning.

UVA issued the following statement soon after the gathering began.

Earlier this afternoon, University officials became aware of a small group setting up tents near the UVA Chapel. Representatives from UVA Student Affairs and University Police met with the group and informed them that, while they are free to demonstrate in public spaces, tents are prohibited by University policy. The individuals complied with requests to voluntarily take down the tents.  There were no arrests and no disruption of University activities.

 UVA has seen an increase in peaceful expressive activity on our Grounds this year in response to the ongoing Middle East conflict. As an institution committed to free expression and the open exchange of ideas, we strive to ensure these activities can take place safely, and in a manner that permits all parties to make their voices heard.

 The University is prohibited by the Constitution and our own values from restricting speech based on its content, even in cases where the content is hurtful or offensive. We do, however, enforce reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of expressive activities, so as to assure the safety of our community and to avoid disruption to University life or the rights of others. As we become aware of planned expressive activities, University officials engage with organizers to inform them of these policies. Information on those policies is available here: https://freespeech.virginia.edu/