Professor Threatens Pro-Lifer: Will University Respond?
Open Letter to Virginia Commonwealth University President Dr. Michael Rao
November 5, 2026
Dr. Michael Rao
President, Virginia Commonwealth University
910 West Franklin Street
Box 842512
Richmond, VA 23284-2512
Dear Dr. Rao:
On October 28, 2026, I was peacefully exercising my First Amendment rights at Virginia Commonwealth University when a man identifying himself as a VCU professor confronted me and threatened me with graphic physical violence, including threats to kill me.
The confrontation was captured on video. I am therefore writing this open letter to bring the incident to your attention and ask what Virginia Commonwealth University intends to do about such conduct by someone claiming to be a member of its faculty.
My name is Rafael Ramos, and I am a volunteer with the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP), a nonprofit organization that promotes moral values on campus.
On the day in question, I was participating in a peaceful and lawful public demonstration with a group of colleagues. We were engaging students in civil discussions about the importance of the protecting innocent human life.
During one of these exchanges, a man identifying himself as a VCU professor confronted me with hostility and made explicit threats of physical violence.
For example, he compared me to Charlie Kirk. When I asked him, "You're in favor of me getting shot like Charlie Kirk?" the professor replied, "Yes, I am!"
He then escalated his threat, stating: "I would do more than hit you. I'd snap your neck off and [expletive] down your throat."
Such threatening conduct raises serious concerns about campus safety and compliance with university policies.
Indeed, VCU's own Code of Conduct explicitly states:
"Abstain from all forms of abuse, including verbal, physical and sexual abuse, and the threat of these."
The university's stated standards should apply to everyone, including members of its faculty.
The Video Evidence
The following video documents the confrontation and captures the professor's threats against me. The exchange begins at approximately 1:55:
I urge you to watch it for yourself.
Universities should be places where ideas are debated through reasoned argument, not where individuals resort to threats of physical violence to silence those with whom they disagree.
No matter one's political or ideological convictions, threatening someone who is peacefully exercising his right to free expression is unacceptable.
Unfortunately, the professor left the area shortly after the confrontation, and I was unable to obtain his name or other identifying information. However, the video provides evidence that should assist the university in identifying him.
What Will VCU Do?
Given the explicit and violent nature of these threats, I ask you to ensure that:
- The professor is identified through a formal investigation, using the video evidence and any other available information.
- The incident is thoroughly investigated and appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, is taken if the allegations are substantiated.
- The professor issues a formal apology for his reprehensible conduct and threats of violence against me.
Dr. Rao, VCU has an opportunity to demonstrate that it takes campus safety, civility, and freedom of expression seriously.
If a university professor can threaten a peaceful demonstrator with physical violence without consequences, what message does that send to the rest of the university community?
I trust that you will take this matter seriously and ensure that appropriate action is taken. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Rafael Ramos
Volunteer, TFP Student Action
This letter was sent to Dr. Michael Rao, President of Virginia Commonwealth University. TFP Student Action welcomes a response from the university.