CBS 19 in Charlottesville reports that overnight the secretive Seven Society at the University of Virginia made a rare public statement about the current state of the university community.
The society claimed responsibility for a number of banners placed on buildings around grounds. Their mark is seen on the banners, noted by the number 7, accompanied by an alpha omega symbol and an infinity symbol.
The banners come in the wake of a series of incidents, including a reported hate crime and several sexual assaults. The society is calling on UVa. to be a strong, caring community that does not tolerate injustice but rather bands together to right the wrongs.
The banners feature the following lines from writer John Donne:
“No man is an island,
Entire of itself. …
…Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.”
— John Donne
With each banner is a letter addressing the university community with the society’s concerns.
