Va. Tech to Halt Classes on Shooting Anniversary

For the next three years, Virginia Tech will not hold classes April 16, the anniversary of the day in 2007 when the campus became the site of the nation's deadliest shooting by a single gunman.

The university announced the decision today, saying the recommendation came from the 20-member Committee for the 2009 Day of Remembrance and was approved by University President Charles W. Steger.

"The decision on holding classes on April 16 is both complex and very emotional," Mark McNamee, university senior vice president and provost, who chairs the committee, said in a news release. "We want to honor the lives that were lost in meaningful ways and continue to help and support members of the community who remain deeply affected by this tragedy. Many of these individuals are not ready for regular classes on April 16. We also recognize that teaching and learning are the heart and soul of the university and holding classes on April 16 is a special way to honor the faculty and students who were lost or injured."

McNamee said the committee, made up of faculty, staff, students and relatives of the victims, decided the transition to a regular class schedule should be gradual.

In 2012, regular classes are scheduled to resume on April 16. That will mark five years since Seung Hui Cho killed 32 students and faculty members before turning the gun on himself.

Special remembrance events will always be held on that day, university officials said. Events for this year are being organized and will be announced in coming weeks.

"I expect the April 16, 2009, Day of Remembrance will provide yet another opportunity for this community to come together and continue the process of recovery and renewal," Steger said. "I hope faculty, staff and students will see this transition plan as a special opportunity to pursue new and creative learning opportunities."