Updated: Aug. 10, 2018 at 9:57 a.m.
GW will close main buildings to amp up security for the “Unite the Right” rally in D.C. Sunday.
The Lerner Health and Wellness Center, Marvin Center and Gelman Library will be closed Sunday, according to an email sent to students Tuesday. Traffic delays, security barriers, restricted access to parts of campus and delays on the Vern Express shuttle will also likely affect the Foggy Bottom Campus, the email states.
The GW Police Department has been working with the Metropolitan Police Department on a security plan for the weekend and there will be a “significant” police presence on and around campus, according to the email.
The rally will be held on Sunday and is expected to affect the Foggy Bottom Campus from 2:30 to 10:30 p.m., the email states.
GWorld cards may be required for identification to enter campus buildings and the email advises students to “be mindful” of people that follow them into residence halls and other campus buildings.
“Be aware that situations can change quickly and GW Safety and Security officials will be closely monitoring conditions on campus,” the email states.
The Flagg Building – the headquarters of the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design – will also be shuttered Saturday and Sunday in anticipation of the protest. All exhibits and events will be closed, according to a separate email sent to Corcoran students Wednesday.
Hundreds of protesters and counterprotesters will likely take the streets around Foggy Bottom for the rally, which took place in Charlottesville last year and resulted in violence and the death of a counterprotester.
Protesters will ride the Metro from Virginia to the Foggy Bottom Station Sunday before marching to Lafayette Square at 5 p.m., where they will gather outside of the White House, according to the rally’s website.
Metro officials weighed providing protesters separate trains for their trip to Foggy Bottom as an additional security measure but later announced they wouldn’t provide the service.
This post was updated to include information about the Flagg Building’s closure this weekend.
