I’m concerned that abruptly announced plans for Cole Hall were not in keeping with the spirit of reaching out and coming together that has shaped campus culture in the aftermath of our tragedy. I have admired and respected the university’s handling of events following that fateful day. In fact, the decision to raze Cole Hall may indeed be the right one, but I am troubled by the short timeline and lack of dialogue that should enlighten our collective decision.

I taught in Cole Hall a few short hours before the tragedy and a number of my students have expressed dismay and anger over the plan. Some indicated that we haven’t been given time to grieve, let alone think about what should be done with Cole Hall. Others felt that demolishing the building without due consideration is somehow taking something from them. I understand the desire to act while emotions run high and to capitalize on momentum.

However, there may be a remaining lesson from the Virginia Tech tragedy that we have yet to learn.

Kendall Thu
Associate professor, anthropology

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