One year ago, as I began my tenure as president of the George Washington University, the university community in Charlottesville, Virginia, was attacked by white supremacy and neo-Nazi groups who stand for racial and religious intolerance and hatred. Today, we are on the eve of a rally near our own university by those same groups and again we must condemn acts of racism and hate that are directly counter to our core values of diversity and peaceful discourse.
The university, led by our Division of Safety and Security, has been coordinating closely with the Metropolitan Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of our campus community. I encourage all members of our community to heed the safety warnings issued by the university and to follow the guidance of law enforcement throughout this weekend. The safety and security of our community is of paramount importance and is our primary concern.
I have been heartened that many of our students have used this opportunity to send a positive message about our shared values. We value free speech and the ability to share differing points of view. We will not tolerate violence or hatred directed at our community.