Safety & Security Protocols for Activities
on Grounds August 8 – 13, 2018

Contact Office:    Associate Vice President for Safety and Security

Applies to:          University Facilities and Property, including the Academic Division and the Medical Center

Reason:
To preserve public safety, protect property, and facilitate First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and assembly on UVA Grounds, the University is implementing temporary safety and security protocols and prohibiting certain items on Grounds. These protocols and prohibition of items have been deemed necessary to minimize risks to public health and public safety. Issuance of these protocols is not a waiver of the University’s current authority to enforce rules against unpermitted events and does not constitute a sanction of any unpermitted event.

Definitions:
Academical Village: The property bounded by the Rotunda to the north, Hospital Drive to the east, McCormick Road to the west, and including the South Lawn/Homer Flat to the south (thereby including the Rotunda, Lawn and Range rooms, hotels, gardens and pavilions) as noted on the map of the Academical Village.

University Facility: Any defined space of the University, including a room, lab, series of labs, building, or controlled outdoor area.

University Property: Land or buildings that the University owns or leases and that is under the control of the Board of Visitors. University property also includes premises the University uses for activities of its offices, departments, personnel, or students.

Protocol:
The following safety and security protocols and prohibited items will be in effect beginning August 8, 2018 at 3:00 pm through August 13, 2018 at 7:00 am or until it is deemed safe to retire them.

This supersedes all other policies regarding use of University property to the extent such policies may be inconsistent with these protocols.

1. Prohibited items throughout all University Facilities and University Property during the designated dates and times include:

   BB Guns, Pellet Guns, Air Rifles or Pistols, Paintball Guns, Nun Chucks, Tasers, Stun Guns, Heavy Gauge Metal Chains, Lengths of Lumber or Wood, Poles, Bricks, Rocks, Metal Beverage or Food Cans or Containers, Glass Bottles, Axes, Axe Handles, Hatchets, Ice Picks, Acidic or Caustic Materials, Hazardous or Flammable or Combustible Liquids, Skateboards, Swords, Knives, Daggers, Razor Blades or Other Sharp Items, Metal Pipes, Pepper or Bear Spray, Mace, Aerosol Sprays, Catapults, Wrist Rockets, Bats, Sticks, Clubs, Drones, Explosives, Fireworks, Open Fire or Open Flames, and Any Other Item Considered an “Implement of Riot.”

   Items like glass bottles, metal beverage and food containers, and personal toiletries will be permitted as long as they are being used for their intended purpose.

2. Safety and Security Protocols in the Academical Village, Rotunda, and North Plaza Grounds:
   The following safety and security protocols may be implemented for activities within the Academical Village, Rotunda, and North Plaza Grounds extending to University Avenue.

   • Firearms are prohibited.
   • Clear bag policy in effect.
   • Security and police officer presence.
   • Establishment of a perimeter.
   • Establishment of designated points of entry.
   • Utilization of metal detection equipment.
   • Deployment of explosive detection equipment and K-9 units.
   • Other safety and security resources as needed.
      
3. Additional restrictions, including but not limited to cancellation of activities and events, may be necessary to minimize threats to public safety.

Related Information:
PRM-017, Use of University Facilities or Property, and Limits on Direct Solicitation and Advertising
PRM-018, Issuance of Trespass Warnings
SEC-030, Regulation of Weapons, Fireworks, and Explosives
SEC-032, Open Burn and Open Flame Operations at the University of Virginia
SEC-039, Protests, Demonstrations and Other Expressive Activities during Official University Ceremonies and Events Held at the Academic Village

Background:
On August 11, 2017 violence erupted on Grounds when a large group of agitators carrying torches marched from Nameless Field to the north side of the Rotunda. The group chanted “Jews will not replace us.” At the end of the march, this group directed their chants and remarks towards counter-protesters who denounced Nazis and white supremacists. Fights broke out with counter-protesters and participants were armed with chemical weapons, sticks, and torches. The August 11, 2017 event required a substantial police response, including mutual aid. Violence was well documented by the University of Virginia Police Department, news media, social media, and the participants. The violence continued throughout the weekend in the surrounding community of Charlottesville. Three people were killed and many suffered serious, life altering injuries. Similar events have taken place in numerous communities and institutions of higher education throughout the United States resulting in injuries to participants and police officers when violence was directed at them.

Threats of violence and property destruction directed at UVA during the days surrounding August 10 – 12, 2018 have been communicated to University officials via various means. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Charlottesville, and County of Albemarle have officially declared a State of Emergency beginning on August 8, 2018. The University, which is within both the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle, is adopting the same list of prohibited items that the City and County have adopted.