Gov. Youngkin addresses pro-Palestine protests across Virginia college campuses

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – College campuses across the country have been grounds for pro-Palestinian demonstrations. This stems from the war between Hamas and Israel.

Protesters have been gathering at schools across the country to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza. They also are calling for a ceasefire, after thousands of Palestinians died following Israeli airstrikes. Some college protests have ended in chaos.

According to a social media post from the group CNU for Palestine, demonstrators from Christopher Newport University (CNU) will meet Tuesday night for a sit-in, march and candlelight vigil. The demonstration is not affiliated with the university, according to the group.

A spokesperson with CNU told WAVY, “We’re aware there may be a protest. We will adhere to the university’s policies regarding expressive activities.

On Sunday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin joined CNN’s State of the Union and discussed the ongoing college protests.

“We’re not going to have encampments and tents put up and yes, we will protect the ability to peacefully express yourself, but we’re not going to have the kind of hate speech and intimidation we’re seeing across the country in Virginia,” Youngkin said.

Youngkin shared his concerns on Tuesday about the college protests in Virginia using his platform on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Across the Commonwealth we’ve seen student and significant non-student participants, throw projectiles at law enforcement, violate the policies of our colleges and universities, obstruct and disrupt student life and endanger public safety,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin in a post on X.

Youngkin posted the comment at 1:13 a.m. He also shared a second message.

“After repeated warnings and refusal to disperse, law enforcement must protect Virginians. My administration will continue to fully support campus, local and state law enforcement and university leadership to keep our campuses safe,” said Youngkin.

Youngkin’s post comes hours after a protest happened on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

According to our sister station in Richmond, protestors gathered on campus and established a “Liberation Zone” with barriers and tents. Protesters called for VCU to divest all ties with Israel.

Sometime after the protest began, police arrived in riot gear. The school deemed the protest as violent, stating it violated school polices.

Our sister station reported that some protesters were seen tossing water bottles at officers.
Police sprayed tear gas and detained several people.

“Safety is a priority. Stay together,” was written in a flyer about the demonstration.

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

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