NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Days after a hostile protest at Vanderbilt University, some members of the Metro City Council are calling for charges against students involved to be dropped and suspensions lifted.
In a letter, they went on the record to show their support for the students at Vanderbilt who protested the war in Gaza and decisions made by the university. They're now requesting a meeting with the school to talk about the consequences the students are facing.
Sixteen students were suspended and four were arrested for assault of a campus officer and vandalism.
In the letter, council members say it's imperative that students have the right to freely express themselves and maintain their right to assemble.
Vanderbilt also released a statement saying they have the right to set safety, security, and privacy policies around access to private property and buildings on their campus and they can remove individuals who attempt to violate those policies.
The university says they will review updates to campus access and media policies after a news reporter was arrested. The school did not say anything about the council's request.
This is a story I immediately went home and showed my boys - young athletes with big dreams. The Vanderbilt football team's success has stolen the spotlight - what I love about Steve Layman's story is he reveals the individual hardships it took to get there. As Clark Lea says, "we all have scuff marks." This team proves perseverance pays off!
- Carrie Sharp
