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Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Board of Visitors Protest T-Shirt, 2003, Textile-2014-001, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The collection was acquired by Special Collection and University Archives Prior to 2014.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the William H. Byrne VPI Cadet Cape was completed in June 2025. Preliminary description was completed in 2018.
The t-shirt was created by Laury Ward. In March 2003, the Board of Visitors eliminated Virginia Tech's affirmative action hiring practices for hiring and admissions, removed sexual orientation from Virginia Tech's non-discrimination policy, and passed a resolution barring anyone who had "participated in illegal acts of domestic violence and/or terrorism" from holding a meeting on campus unless he or she obtained permission from the president. Laury Ward was an undergraduate senior in classical studies, philosophy, and psychology; Womanspace co-ordinator and treasurer; and Take Back the Night co-ordinator and facilitator.
T-shirts were given away for free at the March 13, 2003 protest of Board of Visitor actions.
The t-shirt is blue with short sleeves, and small one inch slits on the side of the shirt. The front of the shirt has "Virginia Tech welcome to he 1950s" printed in black silk screened letters. There are two tags on the collar of the shirt. One tag reads "CLASSIC ELEMENTS." The second tag reads "XL 100% COTTON MADE IN LESOTHO DEPT NO 607 EN 15099 CARE SEE REVERSE" on one side and "MACHINE WASH WITH SIMILAR COLORS DO NOT BLEACH TUMBLE DRY LOW WARM IRON IF NEEDED FS-T96-70" on the reverse side. Condtion of the t-shirt is good, minor stains near shoulders.
The guide to the Board of Visitors Protest T-Shirt by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (