(By Siva Vaidhyanathan, a professor of media studies at the University of Virginia) They hurt us. But they did not defeat us. Local clergy locked arms to stare down the attackers. Volunteers dispensed water to counter-demonstrators. Black Lives Matter members put their bodies on the line for all of us. Medics treated the pepper-sprayed eyes of racists and anti-racists alike. Just as the hatred came from one side only, the care did not come from “many sides.” It came only from the people of Charlottesville. These invaders hate my family. They threaten my country. They are numerous. They are emb...
The University of Virginia became the latest public-college campus to be thrust into political discord and deadly violence when white supremacists paraded through the streets of Charlottesville this weekend. It brought to light questions about what college leaders can do when extremists descend on campuses.
The scars and horrors endured by Charlottesville this weekend will persist, but so will its heroes. The clergy members who stood between the white supremacists and the town, the locals who sang and handed out water, the activists who civilly held their ground, the teachers and students who reclaimed the UVA campus for tolerance, our hospital workers, and Heather Heyer, who gave her life. But Charlottesville has other heroes, too: every child who watched Nickelodeon in her basement, every University of Virginia student who will arrive on campus this month, the Syrian immigrant families just set...
University of Virginia President Teresa A. Sullivan released a statement on Sunday calling out the violence and offered condolences to the lives lost over the weekend.
In recent years, college towns and campuses have attracted divisive figures like Richard Spencer, the white nationalist leader who organized the rally, as youthful activism in the community all but guarantees protest and media coverage. The New York Times reached out to University of Virginia students to reflect on the event.
On Friday night, like a nightmarish graduation procession, a few hundred white supremacists marched with torches down the long green lawn that leads to the Rotunda, UVA’s signature building. They chanted Nazi slogans in the open, undisguised, unafraid of being photographed, proud to be seen. They circled a statue of Thomas Jefferson and attacked a group of student counter-protesters who held a banner reading “UVA Students Act Against White Supremacy” at the statue’s base.
Ahmad Hawkins, a former UVA receiver and defensive back, was proud of the current Cavalier athletes who used social media as a platform and corresponded with ex-teammates as they watched the horrific events unfold on television.
Heather Heyer was killed Saturday as she pushed back against hatred. She left behind a dog — and an approach to the world that those who love her say needs nurturing now that she’s gone.
Lt. H. Jay Cullen, 48, of Midlothian was the pilot of the Bell 407 helicopter that crashed at 4:51 p.m. on Saturday. Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates, of Quinton, died at the scene.
Students at the University of Virginia took a stand against the violence that happened in that city on Saturday. Students took to the Beta Bridge on campus and painted "Hate has no place here. We choose love."
(Commentary by Robert M. O’Neil, a former president of the University of Virginia) President Teresa Sullivan has consistently reached out within and beyond the university community, as exemplified in her thoughtful, wise and cogent presidential statements during the past several days. Her imprint on the university as it nears its bicentennial is truly remarkable.
Charlottesville has not been perfect while I have attended the University of Virginia. Traumatic things have happened my past three years that have put my school and town on national news. Each tragedy that happens, however, only shows me how strong, loving and supportive the students at the University of Virginia, and people of Charlottesville, really are.
On Aug. 5, Philip Zelikow delivered the following keynote address at the annual meeting of the Aspen Strategy Group, a discussion forum for experts and government practitioners. Zelikow, who is currently UVA’s White Burkett Miller Professor of History, has served at all levels of American government, and for administrations of both parties – including roles at the White House, State Department and Pentagon. In this speech he reflects on the much-discussed concept of “world order,” interrogates the claim that a “more open” world is really better for Americans, and issues a warning about America...
A new poll released Thursday by CNN puts Democrats within striking distance of taking back the House of Representatives, according to polling experts. “Obviously, it’s still very early. But if Democrats keep this generic ballot lead at least in the high single digits, you have to take their chances of retaking the House seriously,” said Geoffrey Skelley, a political forecaster at UVA’s Center for Politics.
(Commentary by Geoffrey Skelley, associate editor at UVA’s Center for Politics) The 2017 Alabama special election for the U.S. Senate kicks off with party primaries this coming Tuesday. Both sides have crowded fields, but given the dark red hue of the state, most expect the eventual Republican nominee to hold the seat for the GOP.
(Commentary by William I. Hitchcock, history professor and faculty fellow at UVA’s Miller Center) Do nuclear threats work? President Trump seems to think so. His recent warning that the United States would rain down “fire and fury” upon North Korea may have been improvised, as some media reports suggest, but it may also be part of a strategy to intimidate the North Koreans and get them to restrain their nuclear program.
Changes could be coming to Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, but it might be a while before those changes take place. Charlottesville's PLACE Design Task Force met Wednesday to discuss adding additional public seating on the Downtown Mall. PLACE is drafting a memo to Charlottesville City Council seeking $50,000 for this Downtown Mall study and plan. The group is hoping to work with University of Virginia's Center for Cultural Landscapes on this project.
The Albemarle County Police Department and University of Virginia Police will be assisting Saturday by responding to emergency calls in the city. The University of Virginia Medical Center is also preparing for Saturday’s events by having more staff on call and in the building, particularly the intensive care unit and emergency department.