A message to the W&L community following Nov. 1 Shelter-in-Place Order A communication from Sidney Evans, vice president of Student Affairs, dean of students and emergency response coordinator, to students, faculty and staff.

Office of Communications and Public Affairs
November 2, 2023

This afternoon Washington and Lee received notice of a possible threat of violence on campus, prompting the university to issue a shelter-in-place order while law enforcement conducted a comprehensive search of campus as a precaution. There was no violent incident, and no active threat was found by law enforcement during their investigation. After law enforcement completed their search of campus, the shelter-in-place order was lifted at 7:23 p.m.

The safety of our campus is our utmost priority, and we work closely with local and state law enforcement to monitor potential threats.

We understand that the extended lockdown was a source of considerable stress and anxiety for members of our community. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as law enforcement conducted the search.

The Counseling Center will have extended hours until 9:30 p.m. tonight. Appointments can be made during business hours at 540-458-8590. As a reminder, students have 24/7 access to free, confidential mental health services in any language by calling Telus Health at 866-743-7732 (or downloading the free app). In a mental health emergency after hours, please call or visit the Student Health Center at 540-458-8401, contact Public Safety at 540-458-8999, or call 911. Class deans are also a valuable resource for students needing support.

For employees, counseling services are available through the Carilion EAP.

Dining Services will operate the Marketplace dining hall and sorority dining beginning immediately. Sorority dining will remain open until 9 p.m. Marketplace will maintain all regular service stations until the standard 8 p.m. close but will keep limited stations open until 10 p.m. All other dining outlets will remain closed for the evening and will resume regular operations tomorrow morning.

We are grateful to our Public Safety officers; the local, regional, and state law enforcement personnel who responded quickly to this incident; and to those in the local community who offered support. As a reminder, each of us can contribute to the safety of our community. If you see suspicious activity, please report it. Use the LiveSafe app‘s Emergency Options feature to call 911 or message Public Safety, or dial 540-458-8999 (x8999 from on campus) to reach Public Safety at any time.