From: The Underground: Student Organization Resources Center
Date: September 4, 2024
Subject: Special Announcement: Clarification on Campus Maps



Dear Student Leaders,

As part of our ongoing support for student organizations, we want to provide additional guidance regarding the maps showing where chalking is permitted.

We confirmed that Linden Street, Park Avenue and nearby Grove Avenue, as well as the adjacent sidewalks, are Richmond City Property. As such, VCU’s restrictions on chalking do not apply. But you may want to be aware of the following city ordinances:

  1. It shall be unlawful for any person to deface or otherwise damage private or public property, by or through the application of graffiti.” (Richmond Code of Ordinances section 11-133)
  2. Graffiti means the unauthorized application of any writing, painting, drawing, etching, scratching or marking of an inscription, word, figure, or design of any type on any public or private building or other real or personal property owned, operated or maintained by a governmental entity or an agency or instrumentality thereof or by a private person.” (Richmond Code of Ordinances section 11-132)

We also learned that those city streets are roadways for vehicles and not meant for pedestrian use. Specifically, Virginia law states, “Pedestrians shall not use the roadways for travel, except when necessary to do so because of the absence of sidewalks which are reasonably suitable and passable for their use.” (Va. Code § 46.2-928)

We want you to have this information - first and foremost - so that you can take proper care for personal safety when in and near city roadways. We also want you to be able to make informed decisions about potential consequences of your actions. VCU PD is authorized to issue citations for those who violate state law or city ordinance, and the Student Code of Conduct describes prohibited conduct, including violation of state or local law (section I.O). Note that a student organization’s registration is conditioned upon its compliance with applicable university policies and laws.

We truly appreciate all the great work you’re doing as student organization leaders. We’re here if you need any additional support, education, or guidance. For general student organization related questions, please contact the Student Organizations team at - studentorgs@vcu.edu. For questions specific to the Campus Expression and Space Utilization policy, please email vcudean@vcu.edu.

We wish you a safe and productive semester ahead!