Conflict between citizens, students and white nationalists came to a head in the form of a protest at the University of Virginia Friday night. Earlier this summer members of the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, based in North Carolina, held a rally in Charlottesville on July 8 to protest the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue in Emancipation Park, formerly Lee Park.
Citizens faced off with a small crowd sending the message that hate was not welcome in the family-friendly college town. But this time, a torch carrying crowd of racists returned enforce, chanting, "White lives matter" and "You will not replace us." Police dispersed the crowd based on unlawful assembly. Most of the protestors were men. Their movement is called "Unite the Right."
Protests stemming from the removal of Civil War era statues that conservatives viewed as symbols of their heritage were held at various times all over the country after statues were removed in New Orleans, LA.
This rupture between racists and peaceful demonstrators will set the tone for the incoming freshman class at UVA who will arrive in about a week
Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer condemned the protest in a statement, calling the gathering "a cowardly parade of hatred, bigotry, racism, and intolerance."
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| Bodies fly into the are as a car plows into a crowd of counter protesters at the "Unite the Right" rally on 8/12/17. |
UPDATE: Today demonstrators continued to protest in Charlottesville, VA. A peaceful counter protest rally was interrupted by a car plowing into the crowd, resulting in horrific pillage. One person died and 19 others. Virginia Gov. has declared a state of emergency. Everyone is asked to stay at home to evening.
Community Update From President Sullivan On Emergency Declaration
Aug. 12, 6:08 p.m.
To the University Community:
I write to request your assistance in continuing efforts this evening to ensure the safety of our community after today’s senseless violence sparked by the “Unite the Right” rally.
Importantly, our UVA hospital remains open, and health system employees should report for work as scheduled. Academic Division designated employees should also report to work as regularly scheduled.
Due to the current declaration of a State of Emergency in Virginia, the Governor’s office is urging all members of our community to stay home this evening. The safety and well-being of all members of our community is my most important priority as president. I ask that you help by staying off the streets tonight as our public safety officials work to maintain order and offer assistance to those who are in need.
Please also join me in offering heartfelt thanks to members of multiple law enforcement agencies, first-responders and other public servants who put themselves in harm’s way today to protect our community.
I also ask you to keep in your thoughts and prayers those who lost their lives or were injured today. Such violence violates common decency and the most basic values that we hold as a community.
Teresa A. Sullivan
President
Teresa A. Sullivan
President