Virginia Tech issues statement on reports that LGBTQ flag was stolen, replaced with Confederate flags

Virginia Tech is weighing in on a recent incident of vandalism at the Wesley United Methodist Campus Ministry.

An LGBTQ Pride flag was stolen and replaced with two Confederate flags at the Wesley Center, a Methodist ministry on the Virginia Tech campus last week.

On Saturday, Wesley at Virginia Tech called the incident a “hate crime” in a Facebook post. On Thursday, Virginia Tech issued an official statement condemning “hateful” actions of prejudice.

“Virginia Tech strongly rejects all forms of prejudice and discrimination and condemns deliberate, hateful actions. We were personally deeply saddened to learn about an act of vandalism against a ministry in our community,” the statement began.

“This incident does not reflect who we are at Virginia Tech and the Principles of Community that guide us. We fully support Blacksburg Police in their effort to investigate this matter and encourage anyone in the community with information to come forward.”

The police department launched an investigation into the theft on Saturday. The case has been assigned to its Criminal Investigation Unit.

“Virginia Tech has made tremendous progress over the last several years in building a more thoroughly diverse and inclusive university. Our belief in the inherent dignity and value of every person has never been stronger,” the school’s statement continued.

“Yet incidents like this remind us that the journey to equity and social justice — whether in our community or others across the country — will be long and hard-fought. Our community’s strong and swift reaction to this incident gives me confidence in the culture we’re building and our shared commitment to see our vision through,” the school concluded.

Last week’s incident marked the third time in two weeks that vandals stole an LGBTQ Pride — but the first time that Confederate flags were hung in its place.