School officials need to stay out of this - let the parents come as they may! A tragedy such as this can only be reconciled and handled when there is intimate talking and comfort,and these students need their families by their sides. School officials should be grateful for the parental involvement.

It is not just the students that need their parents. The parents need to touch and embrace their children too.

It is unbelievable that the school would ask parents not to come to be with their children. What were they thinking? As a parent of a college student, there isn't anything anyone could do to keep me away from being with my child. I agree that ths school officials should be grateful for the parents concern and involvement in their child's life.

I can not believe that the school asked the kid's parents not to come there. I would be there in a heart beat. The kids need the love and support of family at this horrific time.

The only reason I can think of why they woudl ask that parents not come to the campus is because it's still an active crime scene. I'm sure they are still reseaching this horrific tragedy and trying to piece together the loose ends. I know they've designated a hotel as the suggested meeting place for families, but I've got to think that it is already overflowing with concerned parents and family members. I agree with the other statements, there would be nothing that would keep me from my child at a time like this. I have a nephew and niece who attend VT (both are ok) and I wanted to jump in my car and head there as soon as I heard what was happening.

I would think the university would invited the parents to come be with their children. I can only imagine what their parents must be going through. Had this happened while I was a college student I would want my parents to be there with me.

I can only imagine if my child was attending college there, there would be no way in the world you could stop me come hell or high water....they need their families at a time like this. I hope that bastard burns in hell for what he's done!

I am sorry, but I have chosen to voice an opinion as an outsider. I definitely do not agree with many of the decisions that the school has made so far! I have a 9 year old daughter, and there is NOTHING that could keep me from her. Our hearts and prayers go out to all that are suffering from this terrible, terrible tragedy!

Imploring the parents to stay away? Nonsense! They should be putting up tents, bringing in water and food (Even snack bars) to meet and greet the parents as they arrive.

What sort of parent would not go to their child in the wake of something like this? Some of these students are freshmen, first year away from home. Shocking that the school would try to keep the "arms of love" away from those who are hurting.

Higher education officials, please review your contingency plans from a common sense view! Involve your 1. student population & 2. their parents, 3. local emergency management personnel (who know how to deal with disrupted communication systems) 4. other institutions and their plans. As a non-parent, I am astounded that university officials made the request and (technology notwithstanding)out of respect to the victims & their families, that there is no Public Information Officer for all the media to distribute information in a more respectful & dignified fashion.

I work at a high school and understand the school wanting to keep some sense of order on their campus. But the longer the families are away from their loved ones, the more stress we cause to an already panicked society. I may not have children, but even as an adult I want to be with my family at a time like this. My prayers go out to all those affected directly by this tragedy and for all of us emotionally affected by this, we must unite and take the time to truly appreciate our families. This is a wake-up call as American citizens and human beings, that we have a huge responsibility to our society in how we raise our children and pay attention to their emotional and physical needs. May God have mercy on the shooter's soul.

As a parent in general even though I don't have a child attending VT, I want to fly out there anyway to support any student who does not have a parent or any parent who needs support. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Can you imagine how this criminal's mother and family members must feel; to know you gave birth to someone so horribly cruel.

I can't believe the school asked the parents not to come. If I had a man or women attending the school I would be there, even if I had to hitchhike to get there.

I must concur with the many statements above regarding this matter. I am the parent of a college student in Memphis and neither Hell nor High Waters would keep me away.

Why would anyone ask you to stay away from your children at a time like this. This is a horrible tragedy that I can't even begin to comprehend! I have a 4 year old and there is nothing that could keep me away! I agree fully with all the comments especially el, from napa California. The staff should be doing everything possible to make the parents and students comfortable so we can all beging the healing process with the people who makes us feel the safest - OUR FAMILY!

Not come to my child in the most horrific time of her life would be like asking me not to be there at childbirth - impossible!

Not come to my child in the most horrific time of her life would be like asking me not to be there at childbirth - impossible!

My heart bleeds for the parents who lost their children. As a parent, there would have been NOTHING to keep me from holding my kids in my arms and knowing that they were OK. If they did'nt want the parents to be next to the crime scenes, they should set up a meeting place for parents and kids to connect. Such a sad, sad thing.

All I have to say is just imagine one of the admin. family members being near a mass murder, seeing T.V. stations broadcasting the news, world-wide and being separated from that family member or child.. I have a 22 yr. daughter in college and that kind of separartion from her at that moment would not be tolerated. This lack of sensitivity toward the human condition is uncomprehensible. Where does it say admin. needed, must be able to show a lack of compassion?

I have many children. I don't agree with school officials when they tell parents to stay away. I don't even pretend to understand the logic behind their reasons. If one of my children needs me, I am there, period. There absolutely could never be anyone who could keep me from them. It is my job to keep them safe, to love them unconditionally, and to always be there in times of trouble. God help the one(s) who try to stand in my way! Peace to all involved directly and indirectly with this horrific tragedy.

Welll personally I think this whole massacre is just sickening. I'm visiting my sister and nieces up in Virginia in Stafford. I'm sure that this college isn't too far from Stafford either. Personally I think things could have gotten worse then they did if the rogue shooter had gooten off of the campus and into civilian streets. I woulnd't blame students if, in the future, they are a little startled by a tadrdy student in the thoughts of a nother or maybe even worse tragedy. I give my greatest condolences to everyone who has been hurt, or lost someone(s). May this sad day never be reinacted.

Colleges; My heart goes out to everyone. Review your plans to be sure parents, instructors, administration, emergency managers, public information officers, health, medical and mortuary agencies take part in your planning sessions. Recovery- has a mental health team been brought in to support victims, families, students, teachers, etc?

Welcome to the liberal, Academia mentality! Don't come to your child during this horrible time?! Ugh! These arrogant, know it all, liberal institutions of higher learning are showing their true colors by "imploring" parents not to come and see their kids. They think they can take care of your child better than you! How insulting! I'm not only sad at what happened, but now I'm furious with the arrogance on the part of the administration!! Every parent with a kid at this university should demand an apology for this insensitive request. How dare they!

Why didn't the school look into this person if he had been reported by the Professors for his comments and writings. This was clearly indicitive of his mind set, and should have been investigated at that time. Also, there need to be guards on each floor of these campus buildings. Parents pay a heafty price for their kids education. A few extra bucks charged into the tuition would not be adverse for parents to pay for their kids protection.

am so sorry for all of the parents who lost there kids and for the kids that were there and witness it this should of never happened he should of never got a gun on campus so all of my prays go out to the ones affected by this inhumane tragedy

sincerely,
Zachary Lawson