Youngkin speaks on planned protest at VCU graduation

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT)—Despite reports of a planned protest at Virginia Commonwealth University’s graduation ceremony this weekend, Governor Glenn Youngkin says he will still be the commencement speaker even though some staff and students are urging him to cancel.

This followed days of pro-Palestinian protests and encampments on college campuses like VCU, UVA, Virginia Tech and Mary Washington University. Many of those demonstrations led to chaos and clashes with police, ending with more than 100 students arrested.

Youngkin addressed all of this at a fentanyl awareness event at City Stadium, defending the way police responded.

“When you cross the lines and begin to build encampments which are not allowed on college campuses, you intimidate other students, and you try, and you’re trying to disrupt the normal operations of the schools,” he said. “I fully support the actions that have been taken, and I truly support our law enforcement.”

He also pointed out that this Saturday was about celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments, not disrupting the ceremony for a group’s personal goals.

A spokesperson for VCU Police tells 12 On Your Side the university is committed to supporting a safe environment for attendees, saying in part:

“Commencement is a time for our graduates and their families and friends to celebrate academic achievements and their experiences at VCU. Commencement is an official university event, and disruptions will not be allowed. VCU expects all attendees will celebrate with behavior that allows everyone to enjoy this milestone occasion. Anyone who engages in a disruption may be asked to leave the ceremony or could be removed from the Convention Center.”

Some groups say they plan to demonstrate in and outside the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11.

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