RICHMOND, Va. – Almost three months after the Virginia Tech shootings, the task of distributing the $7 million donations that have poured into the university since April 16 has fallen to Washington lawyer Kenneth R. Feinberg.
Feinberg took on a similar project in 2001, when he directed the payout of more than $7 billion to victims of the 9/11 attacks. In order to receive money, recipients had to waive their right to sue the airlines and corporations. Victims of Virginia Tech will not be forced to accept such terms.
Feinberg accepted the job without payment. He has classified potential recipients into three categories: families of the victims, people who experienced physical harm, and people who experienced psychological harm. He plans to submit a set of proposals this month and hopes to finish distributing the money by Thanksgiving Day.
Virginia Tech used the $7 million to establish the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. It will be open for donations until August 1. Any further donations will be given to the Hokie Spirit Scholarship Fund, a general scholarship account for other students affected by the tragedy.