Cannabis may be legalized, but criminal justice reform is still needed
Rachel Spiller, Contributing Writer The legalization of cannabis is exciting for many Virginians. But how are we to celebrate when there are people who will remain behind bars for the crime? The issue lies in the history of racism in the U.S. incarceration system, an institution that has been flawed since the launching of the […]
Tea Time with Tagwa: Accountability is not justice. It is a requirement
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor Tea timers, can you tell the difference between bright yellow and black in color? The difference between 34 ounces and eight ounces? If you answered yes, congratulations — you are more intelligent and aware than yet another Minnesota police officer. A Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, police officer shot and murdered Daunte Wright, […]
As the seasons change, so does our mental health
Monica Alarcon-Najarro, Contributing Writer Unlike other universities, VCU announced that there would be no spring break for students this semester on Oct. 15. Now, students are battling both being in a pandemic and mental burnout from having only two reading days this semester that most used to catch up on schoolwork. Finals are coming up, […]
We must take action to prevent gun violence
Ishaan Nandwani, Contributing Writer Five minutes. That’s how long it takes to get to my apartment at VCU from the 400 block of Gilmer Street, where two shooting deaths occurred on two consecutive days earlier this month. These shootings reflect a trend of an increased number of deaths due to gun violence in the Richmond […]
American policing: A history of racism and white supremacy
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor The year is 1770. The Colonies are near their breaking point with Great Britain. Intense policing by British soldiers has proven unbearable to colony citizens, especially those in Boston. British soldiers walk around with chips on their shoulders, entering any home they please simply because they wear the British flag. They […]
Tea Time with Tagwa: VCU hasn’t done enough to prevent hazing
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor Tea timers, it’s been more than a month since freshman Adam Oakes was found dead at a West Clay Street house after attending a Delta Chi rush event. As of Wednesday, 46 days have passed. In VCU’s Greek life organizations, nothing has changed. Immediately following Oakes’ death, hazing in fraternities and […]
Outdoor parties can wait until the pandemic ends
Ishaan Nandwani, Contributing Writer It’s my favorite time of the year: spring. Warm weather, blooming flowers and a pervasive aura of tranquility — what’s not to love? Personally, I’ve been taking advantage of the weather by going on walks and studying outside more, soaking in the warm sun at Monroe Park while studying enzyme-catalyzed biochemical […]
This is Derek Chauvin’s trial. Not George Floyd’s.
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor Ten months. It has been 10 months since the murder of a fellow Black American. It has been 10 months since an officer put his knee on a Black man’s neck. It has been 10 months and still no justice. May 25, 2020 is a day that will be remembered forever. […]
Tea Time with Tagwa: My hijab is not oppressive, it is empowering
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor Tea timers, Islamophobia is in the air. The nation of France is finding itself in yet another tug of war with the hijab. A hijab is a cloth worn over a Muslim woman’s head to create a sense of modesty and protect against the male gaze. It is a tradition practiced […]
Minority unity is the best weapon against white supremacy
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor What does it mean to be American? We often associate patriotism and democracy with this country. We relish freedom and advancement, turning our noses up to the developing world that can’t seem to keep up with us. We are the leaders of the world — or at least that’s what we’d […]