A University of Virginia student accused of disrupting a Chinese ambassador’s speech was convicted by the university’s Judiciary Committee on Thursday in a rare open trial.

Rich Felker, a graduate student in the math department, had testified that he was not “trying to make trouble” when he attempted to chain himself to a banister during Yang Jiechi’s appearance. Felker is a member of Students for a Free Tibet, a group that protests Chinese policies regarding Tibetans.

Felker’s punishment had not been decided by press time Thursday. University Judiciary Committee sanctions can range from oral admonishment to expulsion.

His trial was the first opened to the public in four years.

Felker was accused of causing a disruption on UVa property and failing to comply with university officials’ requests - charges stemming from Felker’s attempt in April to chain himself to a banister in the Rotunda’s dome room.

He was prevented from chaining himself to the banister when UVa police and others took his hands off a padlock.
He began screaming and kicking and behaving in a threatening manner, according to Detective Sandy Hufford of the UVa police.

“My first thought was that he was connected to the group [protesting] outside and was attempting to incite a riot,” Hufford said.

None of several protesters outside the Rotunda was arrested.

Felker was brought downstairs by two police officers and a member of the ambassador’s security detail. He was thrown to the floor and handcuffed. Next, Aaron Laushway, associate dean of students, read a statement to Felker saying he would be charged or disciplined by the university if he did not leave the Rotunda immediately.
Felker said he asked to leave, but police refused to release him from the handcuffs.

“Remaining on the second floor of the Rotunda meant nothing to me,” he said. “I was totally willing to go and had no reason to stay behind.”

Felker said he was then taken to another room out of public view and arrested. He said he did not answer questions from the police or allow them to unhook the chain around his torso.

Student prosecutor Jeff Tebbs said these were two reasons Felker was charged with not complying with UVa officials’ requests.

Criminal charges were dropped against Felker earlier this year.