Social media is a tool for change, not just for ‘slacktivism’
Urjita Mainali, Contributing Writer It is rare for major headlines from my family’s country of origin, Nepal, to make it into Western news outlets. The last time I recall people from outside Nepal discussing the country was in 2015, during the deadly earthquakes that shook the nation. So when headlines broke this month that 19 […]
Rain drops
VCU ‘free speech ranking’ drops following degree controversy
VCU ‘free speech ranking’ drops following degree controversy Alessandra Caceres Mendoza, Contributing Writer A leading free speech advocacy organization gave VCU a “D-” in their 2026 college free speech rankings, a drop compared to last year. The ranking comes after three students had their degrees withheld for breaking campus policies during protests against the genocide […]
VCU Muevelo ha estado sintiendo el ritmo desde 2009
Saanvi Vootla, Escritora contribuyente El baile, una de las formas más universales de expresión, puede trascender fronteras y unir a la gente en un nivel más profundo y espiritual. Muevelo de VCU, un colectivo hispano y latinoamerico de baile vibrante, ha estado llevando ese poder a la comunidad de Richmond al ofrecer rendimientos transformativos, vitrinas […]
Today, it is my community at risk. Tomorrow, it could be yours.
Monica Vera, Contributing Writer One of the most charming aspects of the United States of America is the immense diversity. There is a unique culture behind every individual and family, and the U.S. is a place where those cultures get the opportunity to connect. Our country was founded on a notion of giving people the […]
Board of Visitors approves another salary increase for Rao
Bryer Haywood, Contributing Writer VCU’s Board of Visitors unanimously approved a 9% salary increase for President Michael Rao at a meeting on Sept. 12, bringing his total base pay to $895,618 and his deferred compensation to $345,647 — an increase of $75,000. Board of Visitors rector Ellen Fitzsimmons said Rao has led the university with […]
Sept. 24 recap: How every VCU team did this week
Jenny Allen, Staff Writer Women’s soccer vs. University of Miami (FL) VCU fell short to Miami 2-0, giving the Rams their fifth loss of the season. Miami brought the energy from the start, getting a goal in the fourth minute. The Rams kept their defense strong, holding the Hurricanes to one goal in the first […]
Third Iron Blossom Festival shines light on local artists
Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor The Iron Blossom Music festival has been an annual kaleidoscope of energy that brings flower crowned, flowey skirted and cowboy booted fans to Richmond. The festival returned to the river city last weekend for its third year in a row. With a lineup full of folk and indie-rock musicians, the festival […]
EDITORIAL DEL PERSONAL: Porque ahora publicamos artículos en español
El Personal del Commonwealth Times El Commonwealth Times empezó a publicar noticias selectas en español desde agosto — un cambio que se hizo para satisfacer las necesidades de nuestra audiencia en un momento en cual el gobierno no lo hará. Nuestro primer artículo en español cubrió una manifestación contra la agencia de control de inmigración […]
While some Richmonders celebrate Hispanic heritage, others lament loss of freedoms
Yenni Jimenez Acosta, Contributing Writer Heciel Nieves Bonilla, Assistant News Editor Nelie Ceron-Cruz, a fourth-year business student at VCU, found out in May her father had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, through a phone call by her sister. “That’s when she told me, she was like, ‘Oh, Dad got caught, like […]