McClellan Statement on Protests on Virginia Commonwealth University Campus

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the law enforcement’s response to protests on the Monroe Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University: 

“We have witnessed Americans exercise their First Amendment rights of free speech and assembly on college campuses across the country to protest the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I am deeply concerned by how quickly the protest on the Monroe Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University escalated to the use of chemical agents as the VCU Police Department, Richmond Police Department, and Virginia State Police Department disbanded the crowd. The reports, images, and videos of last night’s events were reminiscent of the unjustified use of teargas in response to 2020 George Floyd protests, and for many Richmond residents, triggered the same visceral reactions felt at that time. 

“Throughout our nation’s history, college campuses have been safe havens for critical thought, robust dialogue, and social and political activism. University officials have a responsibility to cultivate and maintain an environment that facilitates public discourse on complex issues while also protecting students’ ability to pursue their education free from fear of intimidation and harassment. This is a difficult task at any moment, but particularly as the world grapples with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 

“In this moment of heightened political tension, individuals must be given the space to exercise their First Amendment rights.”