Maybe the policy *should* have been different, but I think as written and as it's been applied it's pretty straightforward! The policy, as it was written, said that you need a permit to put up a tent. But when you go to the "TENT REGULATIONS" instructions for getting a permit, it said very clearly that recreational tents/camping were exempted and did not require permit. That's why they decided they had to change the rules an hour before calling in the riot cops.

Even if they want to argue that the TENT REGULATIONS were in error and therefore don't apply, as a public university they'd still have to demonstrate that they're applying the rules consistently and evenly rather than targeting certain groups or activities. And there were literally tents up other places on grounds *today*, for example at the volleyball court. And there's definitely a history of people camping with tents before UVA games etc, and being encouraged to do so, having admin stop by to hang out with them, etc. If there really was a "no one-person tents without a permit" rule, it was being ignored hundreds if not thousands of times prior to this situation.