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    VCU to require anyone covering their face on campus to show ID, among other policy changes

    By Ryan NadeauSahara Sriraman,

    19 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Jcrks_0uyT4lX800

    RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is implementing multiple policy changes, including one stating that anyone on university property or at a university event who is covering their face will need to show identification.

    As the 2024-25 semester begins, VCU’s Vice President of Student Affairs, Aaron Hart, shared a press release detailing several updates to university policies. This was sent out to the VCU community on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

    These updated policies are effective immediately — though the university noted that “the university community will have opportunities to provide feedback during this academic year” prior to any of the interim policies becoming final.

    Change to existing VCU policy

    The release detailed a change to VCU’s “Campus Expression and Space Utilization” policy, which Hart said he is sharing because “members of our community have the right and responsibility to gather and speak freely without disruption to university operations.”

    “Specifically, antisemitic, anti-Muslim, anti-religious or race or ethnic-based threats are taken seriously and are investigated in accordance with state and federal laws and applicable policies,” Hart said in the release. “We expect students, faculty and staff to adhere to VCU policies; violations can lead to disciplinary action.”

    Three new interim VCU policies

    Following this update to existing policy, the release announced three new interim policies.

    The “Interim Campus Expression and Space Utilization” policy is designed to “provide requirements for expressive activity on university property in its various forms, including, but not limited to, verbal expression, non-verbal expression, posting materials, chalking and all displays. The requirements of this policy enable VCU to carry out its academic mission, promote a safe environment, and preserve the functional and aesthetic integrity of the campus,” according to the release. It prohibits events or other operations inside or outside school buildings, or organizing large events without prior written approval.

    Next, the “Interim Concealment of Identity” policy has to do with wearing a face covering or hood on university property or at university events.

    “Any individual who is present on University Property or attending a University Event and is wearing a mask, hood or other covering whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered to conceal the identity of the wearer, must present an Identification Document,” the release reads.

    Hart said this policy is consistent with the Code of Virginia and that it applies to anyone on VCU property or attending a university event — not just students and faculty.

    Finally, the “Interim Student Code of Conduct” policy “provides information for students and student organizations to follow including federal, state and local law as well as VCU policy,” according to the release.

    “This does not discourage the right of free speech or assembly, but does encourage it in a way that supports the educational environment,” Hart said.

    All of these changes are coming after police clashed with Pro-Palestinian protesters on VCU campus in late April. As a result of that protest, 13 people were arrested .

    ALL COVERAGE: Pro-Palestinian protests on VCU campus

    Guidelines for when VCU will issue statements

    Hart also detailed VCU’s new guidelines on if and when it will issue university statements on topics.

    “Across the country, universities and their leaders are increasingly being asked to respond to national and global news and events,” Hart said. “As many institutions have found, well-intentioned statements may be received positively by some and negatively by others.”

    Under these new guidelines, while VCU leaders “do not typically issue statements,” they will “consider doing so if there is a direct connection to the university’s core function and mission.”

    “We hope these guidelines help our community better understand why VCU and leaders do – or do not – release statements about national and global issues,” Hart said.

    Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.

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