Family of Adam Oakes reacts to fraternity expulsion, calling for more change
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor Adam Oakes always said hello and goodbye with a hug, played basketball with his little cousins and competed in family-style fantasy football every fall, his family said. Adam Oakes was a freshman at VCU when he pledged the Delta Chi fraternity. He was found dead on Feb. 27 after a Delta […]
VCU announces mandatory vaccine requirement for on-campus students in the fall
Emma Carlson, Contributing Writer VCU announced on Monday that COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for all students who plan to live, work or attend classes on campus this upcoming fall semester. Those with religious or health exemptions are not required to get a vaccine, according to the email announcement. “Vaccines are now widely available and […]
VCU expels Delta Chi from campus three months after freshman death
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor VCU permanently removed the Delta Chi fraternity from campus on May 28 for violating university policies in the moments leading up to the death of freshman Adam Oakes, according to VCU spokesperson Michael Porter. The Student Organization Conduct Committee Chairs found Delta Chi responsible for violating university policies dealing with COVID-19, […]
Family of Adam Oakes create nonprofit, scholarship for high school students in his honor
Anna Chen, Contributing Writer Family members of Adam Oakes launched the Love Like Adam nonprofit organization on May 26, the day after his cause of death was determined. Oakes, a freshman at VCU, was found dead on Feb. 27 at a West Clay Street residence after attending an event hosted by a university chapter of […]
VCU freshman death ruled as accidental from alcohol poisoning, chief medical examiner states
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor VCU freshman Adam Oakes died of ethanol toxicity, a type of alcohol poisoning, according to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. Spokesperson Arkuie Williams stated in an email that the manner of death was accidental. Oakes was found dead on Feb. 27 at a West Clay Street residence after attending a Delta […]
VCU drops mask requirements for vaccinated public, updates COVID-19 safety guidelines
Natalie Barr, Contributing Writer VCU students, faculty members and staff who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are no longer required to wear masks indoors or outdoors when physical distancing can be maintained, according to a university announcement emailed to students on Tuesday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an updated mask guidance on […]
Community members celebrate the life of Marcus-David Peters
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor Electric keyboards, bubbles floating through the air and the chatter of community members on a sunny afternoon marked a celebration of the life of Marcus-David Peters in Richmond on Saturday. The event was organized by Justice and Reformation, a Richmond-based community activist group that was founded in response to Peters’ death. […]
RVA Fashion Week returns: Local designers bring individuality to in-person events
Ebonique Little, Spectrum Editor With gowns featuring large hoop skirts, oversized puff sleeves, ruffles and feathers, designer Azi Blas knows no bounds. “I’m global,” said Blas, who has been designing clothes since the ’70s. “My mentality is not dictated by a person, place or thing.” At the 13th Annual Richmond Fashion Week, Blas presented his […]
Exhibition simulates mental health disorders to raise awareness
Grace McOmber, Contributing Writer In the middle of a dark room sits a large white machine with rotating teeth and small slips of paper next to it. Above it, a sign directs the reader to write a “worry” on the slip and place it into the machine before turning the lever and shredding the paper. […]
Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch for May 5
“The Rape of Recy Taylor” (2017) Exploring the historical legacy of sexual violence against Black women, this moving documentary tells the story of Recy Taylor, an Alabama sharecropper who was gang-raped by six white men in 1944. During the Jim Crow era, very few women spoke against their abusers, but with Taylor’s courage and the […]