Editor's note: The location of the Take Back the Night Rally and March has moved to the auditorium in the Graduate Life Center. 

Dear members of the community,

Most of you will have seen five recent Clery Act email notices sent by our police department. Although increased reporting does not necessarily indicate an increase in crime, these reports serve to remind us that we are not immune from criminal activity. 

Despite the fact that our campus and community are statistically safer than most, one crime is too many, and no crime should go unanswered.

We seek a campus climate in which all members assume responsibility for a safe environment. Such an environment cannot be created or sustained if violent acts go unreported and are not discussed and addressed. We encourage all community members to reach out for support, to support one another, and to engage in work to end sexual violence on campus. 

National statistics indicate that the safer a community feels, the more readily an individual will report a crime. This may mean more public notices and I am fine with that. If there is more that we can do to make our community safer, we will do it.

Tim Sands
President, Virginia Tech

Community event:
Take Back the Night Rally and March, Thursday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
This 28th annual rally and march raises awareness of gender-based violence, shares resources available locally, and gives individuals tools to help create positive change. Enjoy pre-rally music at 6:30 p.m.; the rally begins at 7 p.m. at the Graduate Life Center Auditorium. People of all genders and ages are encouraged to participate, either as individuals or as part of a group, in the rally and march through Virginia Tech and Downtown Blacksburg. Organizations are invited to bring a group banner; all are encouraged to bring signs. Candles will be provided. Raise your voice to help lessen violence in our community. Together we'll Take Back the Night!

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