UVA closes The Lawn for the weekend
Caution is abundant.
President James E. Ryan: Additional Updates Regarding This Weekend
Aug. 10, 2018. President James E. Ryan delivered the following message to the University community on Thursday.
To the University community,
I want to update you on some decisions we have made since my last message.
Based on the advice of our security teams we have decided, out of an abundance of caution, to close the Lawn from 6pm tonight until noon on Sunday, Aug. 12. This will help us continue to prepare for and secure both the UVA-sponsored event on Saturday morning in Old Cabell Hall and a student-organized rally on the North Plaza of the Rotunda, which will occur from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday evening. Lawn residents will still be allowed on the Lawn while it is closed to the public, as will attendees for Saturday mornings event.
In order to make sure students and members of the community can gather peacefully Saturday night, we are also putting further security restrictions in place for that specific event, including metal detectors and a perimeter with a single point of entry. The Universitys clear bag policy will be in effect and many items that can possibly be used to cause harm will not be allowed on University property. Finally, the number of people allowed on the North Plaza will be limited based on the recommendation of the fire marshal and the size of the plaza itself. There may be some road closures near the event as well, and if so, we will update you as soon as we can.
As I mentioned yesterday, my hope is that these precautions will prove unnecessary. But we are taking them in order to give students and other community members the best chance to gather peacefully without having to worry about their own safety.
Thank you for your attention and your understanding as we respond to this evolving situation. If we feel it is necessary to take more steps based on new information, we will be sure to let you know.
Best,
Jim Ryan
https://news.virginia.edu/content/safety-and-security-messages-related-august-10-12-weekend?utm_source=VirginiaHome&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news#president_ryan_friday