CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia High School League responded to concerns on Friday over events that will be held at Liberty University. This comes after comments from university President Jerry Falwell, Jr. encouraging students and staff to carry guns.
Liberty is already the designated site for 2016 debate competitions, indoor track competitions, and every state athletic championship for the 3A and 4A divisions this spring.
The VHSL says some schools are expressing concern over Falwell’s comments — some are even threatening to boycott the state debate championship in April.
The league noted that Falwell has a first amendment right to say what he wants, but it also says it will partner with law enforcement to make sure students participating in its events are free from harassment, personal threat, or physical or mental harm.
The VHSL issued a statement saying in part:
If these essential freedoms cannot be guaranteed to VHSL participants, the VHSL will re-evaluate the propriety of using Liberty University facilities for its championship events in the future.
Falwell’s comments were in response to the mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif. Guns are already allowed on the Liberty campus.
