Wednesday, October 21st, 2026

News

How VCU students are getting involved in the midterm elections

October 21, 2026

Bryer Haywood, Staff Writer  The 2026 midterm election is fast approaching. This year, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election, as well as 35 U.S. Senate seats. The election comes amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty and conflict in Iran.  VCU students are involving themselves in various ways by informing their peers about the election prior to the midterms.  VCU Votes is a student organization with a goal of educating students about voting and increasing voter turnout and registration, Roqia Ali, a fourth-year homeland security student and executive board member of VCU Votes, stated in an email.  “Through VCU Votes, students have been helping their peers register to vote, understand what’s on their ballot, and make a voting plan,” Ali stated. “We’ve been visiting classes with first-generation students and freshmen to get them engaged and give them a chance to ask questions.” VCU Votes have also hosted a general body meeting and ice cream social to give students a chance to meet the team and get involved, according to Ali.  Kelsey Jones, VCU Votes student coalition advisor, said the organization has taken a two-part approach, including partnerships and media outreach and spreading awareness about

VCU navigates gun violence threats to protect student safety

October 21, 2026

Olivia Rine, Staff Writer There have been multiple reports recently of gunshots in and around VCU campus, including shots fired outside of Broad and Belvidere Residence Center on Oct. 8.  Jake Burns, VCU Police public relations officer, stated in an email that VCU Police enforce any weapon law violations in both the Code of Virginia and Richmond Code of Ordinances.  “These include, but [are] not limited to, laws related to unlawful possession, discharge and transportation of firearms,” Burns stated.  Burns also shared information from VCU’s Weapon Policy, which states, “Possession or carrying of any weapon is prohibited on university property in academic buildings, administrative office buildings, medical venues, clinics, laboratories, research facilities, student residence buildings and dining facilities; or while attending sporting, entertainment or educational events.” Burns stated that upon a report of an armed party at Broad and Belividere Residence Hall Oct. 8, all available units immediately examined the area and began reviewing security footage. Shortly after, the perpetrator was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, and further charges are to be expected according to Burns.  “VCU Police take the safety and well being of our community seriously,” Burns stated. “Our officers quickly respond to any incident reportedly

Richmond aprueba una resolución para restringir la divulgación del estatus de imigracion de residentes

October 20, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer El concejo municipal de Richmond aprobó una resolución el 28 de septiembre que dirige a la administración del alcalde Danny Avila de establecer una “política de confianza” para manejar como los empleados de la ciudad manejan información sobre inmigrantes y cómo colaboran con autoridades federales.  La Concejala Nicole Jones, del distrito noveno, introdujo la resolución, que trata de establecer  límites sobre la involucración de la ciudad en temas de imigracion federales, y mantener confianza entre el gobierno y comunidades de inmigrantes, según la resolución.  La decisión viene en medio de preocupaciones sobre los efectos que el control de inmigracion tiene en residentes inmigrantes y si seguirán dispuestos a acceder servicios públicos o denunciar crímenes.  La ciudad de Richmond anunció más restricciones en acceso federal a cámaras automáticas que leen placas de carro, y que la policía de Richmond no trabaja con la agencia de Control de Imigracion y Aduanas. Avula anunció la semana pasada que la ciudad no renovará contrato con Flock, una compañía de cámaras de seguridad, pero que puede que firmen un contrato con otra compañía, según VPM. Bajo la nueva resolución, la administración debe crear regulaciones formales antes del primero de enero de

Richmonders gather for ‘No Kings’ protest ahead of midterm elections

October 18, 2026

Sal Orlando, News Editor  Kayla Muñecas, Assistant News Editor An estimated 500 people gathered in Monroe Park on Oct. 17 to participate in a “No Kings” protest, likely the only before Election Day. The protest was organized by 50501, which centered around the importance of the three ballot amendments, and giving the community an opportunity to make their voices heard, specifically against the Trump administration. Question one on the ballot would establish Virginians right to reproductive freedom, Question two would remove the ban on same-sex marriage from the state’s constitution, and Question three would restore the right to vote for individuals with felony convictions upon reentry, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. The protest was meant to include a march, but did not due to a lack of volunteers in attendance. Attendee turnout was the lowest from this year compared to other “No King” protests, according to a previous CT report. Gray Montrose, a community activist, led the event and said the people there were gathered because they understand the nation’s history and that when society loses trust, it falls apart. “We do not abide by the small ambitions of small men to destroy what we hold dear,” Montrose

VCU students organize walkout to protest sexual violence in wake of Cornell lawsuit

October 14, 2026

Sal Orlando, News Editor Tadek Wieczorek, Contributing Writer Around 90 people attended a walkout against sexual violence on Oct. 10, organized by the National Organization for Women at VCU and the Feminist Generation Richmond chapter. The protest follows a lawsuit filed by Jane Doe against Cornell University and seven Cornell Chi Phi fraternity members, alleging she was raped and drugged by the men at a frat house in 2024, according to ABC news. The walkout’s organizers demanded that VCU be transparent about who they are holding accountable for sexual violence. Rebecca Weil, founder and president of NOW at VCU, said she organized the event on very short notice, posting about the walkout only three days before. “I am watching in anger as the institutions that are meant to protect us are failing us,” Weil said during her speech. “I’m watching as the police, as the attorney generals, as the administrators, are just now pretending to care.”  Weil said she does not believe VCU is doing enough to support students who are victims of sexual assault. “I want to make people care and I want to show not just VCU as an institution, but also the people who make up VCU,”

Richmonders honor history of Gabriel’s Rebellion at 24th annual gathering

October 14, 2026

Saniyah Pullen, Contributing Writer Ellie Waltman, Managing Editor The Virginia Defenders hosted its 24th annual Gabriel Gathering on Oct. 10 to educate and honor the history of Gabriel’s Rebellion, which occurred 226 years ago.  The event took place on Oct. 10, the day that Gabriel was executed, and was used to discuss how Gabriel’s story and the lessons learned from it could be used in current justice issues today.  The event featured speakers from the Virginia Defenders and unionized workers from United Food & Commercial Workers Local 400, APWU Local Retirees Chapter, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Workers United and the United Campus Workers of Virginia.  Gabriel, historically known as Gabriel Prosser after being given the last name of his enslaver, Thomas Prosser, was born into slavery in 1776. At 23 years old, he began to plan a rebellion with over 2000 enslaved people to forcibly take the Capitol and the Virginia State Armory to bargain for the release of Governor James Monroe in exchange for freeing Virginia’s enslaved population, according to the Library of Virginia.  On August 30, 1800, the planned rebellion took a sudden turn when a severe storm forced Gabriel to delay the event. Some enslaved people who

SGA led partnership provides students with free monthly STI and HIV screenings

October 14, 2026

Kayla Muñecas, Assistant News Editor.  A partnership between VCU Student Health, the Student Government Association and the Minority Health Consortium is making free HIV and STI screening available for students on a monthly basis.   The next event will take place on Oct. 27th, on the second floor of the VCU Student Health Services building at 1300 W. Broad St.  The project was initiated by SGA’s former secretary of state, Maddie Funk, according to SGA delegate Sollina Abraham. Funk witnessed a similar free screening service at the College of William and Mary, which was funded by their SGA, and felt inspired to do the same at VCU, according to Abraham. The partnership was led by Dr. Shannon Green, director of VCU Student Health and worked on by SGA delegate Sollina Abraham and former SGA delegate Arjun Nair.  One of the biggest obstacles in creating this event was finding sufficient funding, but with the help of nonprofit organizations in Richmond, it was made possible, according to Abraham. A collaboration with the Nationz Foundation, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, led to a first trial, which took place in the Student Commons in December of 2025. At the trial, 150 donated screenings were conducted.  “It

VCU construction focuses on new builds despite concerns for its aging facilities

October 14, 2026

Madeleine Biondi, Staff Writer The ONE VCU Master Plan expands major construction projects while largely opting to decommission old buildings rather than repair. VCU uses the Six-Year Capital Plan, prioritizing capital projects with large-scale construction and substantial funding. Funding for maintenance is state-derived while construction project reserves are sourced from the state, university and public-private partnership, according to the plan’s website. CoStar, an online real estate company and one of VCU’s notable corporate investors, is working in tandem with the university to create the CoStar Center for the Arts and Innovation as a consolidation of both visual and performing arts. The multidisciplinary building for theatre, music, dance, cinema and the Da Vinci Center aims for use in 2028, according to the VCUArts website. Brian McNeill, VCU’s Public Relations Director, explains that VCU typically reserves maintenance funds for immediate needs rather than renovation projects. “An important outcome of long-term master planning is to demolish facilities that are beyond their useful life and construct new,” McNeill said. “Generally, when facilities reach the end of their useful life, the most cost-effective long-term strategy is often to decommission and redevelop rather than continue accumulating deferred maintenance costs on aging infrastructure.” 87 of the 200

How VCU students are getting involved in the midterm elections

October 21, 2026

Bryer Haywood, Staff Writer  The 2026 midterm election is fast approaching. This year, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election, as well as 35 U.S. Senate seats. The election comes amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty and conflict in Iran.  VCU students are involving themselves in various ways by informing their peers about the election prior to the midterms.  VCU Votes is a student organization with a goal of educating students about voting and increasing voter turnout and registration, Roqia Ali, a fourth-year homeland security student and executive board member of VCU Votes, stated in an email.  “Through VCU Votes, students have been helping their peers register to vote, understand what’s on their ballot, and make a voting plan,” Ali stated. “We’ve been visiting classes with first-generation students and freshmen to get them engaged and give them a chance to ask questions.” VCU Votes have also hosted a general body meeting and ice cream social to give students a chance to meet the team and get involved, according to Ali.  Kelsey Jones, VCU Votes student coalition advisor, said the organization has taken a two-part approach, including partnerships and media outreach and spreading awareness about the midterm election. “Working with partners like VCU Athletics, VCU Dine, etc we have been able to grow our reach and get students excited about the idea of being civically engaged and using their voice at the polls,” Jones stated. Franklin Gonzalez, logistics coordinator of VCU Votes, stated in an email that he feels it is important for students to understand who is representing them and what is happening politically on the state and federal level.  “From my perspective, voting is a privilege that many people throughout history have fought for and that not everyone around the world has,” Gonzalez stated.  Alex Keena, an associate professor of political science at VCU, stated in an email that he champions student involvement in elections. He stated that he notices greater student interest in national elections versus local elections.  “Given the huge role that money plays in shaping the discourse, the issue space, candidate selection, and responsiveness, voting remains one way that people without money can affect democracy,” Keena stated. “By voting in large numbers, young people make themselves heard and force politicians and political parties to listen to them in future elections and consider their preferences and needs.”  The NAACP at VCU

VCU navigates gun violence threats to protect student safety

October 21, 2026

Olivia Rine, Staff Writer There have been multiple reports recently of gunshots in and around VCU campus, including shots fired outside of Broad and Belvidere Residence Center on Oct. 8.  Jake Burns, VCU Police public relations officer, stated in an email that VCU Police enforce any weapon law violations in both the Code of Virginia and Richmond Code of Ordinances.  “These include, but [are] not limited to, laws related to unlawful possession, discharge and transportation of firearms,” Burns stated.  Burns also shared information from VCU’s Weapon Policy, which states, “Possession or carrying of any weapon is prohibited on university property in academic buildings, administrative office buildings, medical venues, clinics, laboratories, research facilities, student residence buildings and dining facilities; or while attending sporting, entertainment or educational events.” Burns stated that upon a report of an armed party at Broad and Belividere Residence Hall Oct. 8, all available units immediately examined the area and began reviewing security footage. Shortly after, the perpetrator was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, and further charges are to be expected according to Burns.  “VCU Police take the safety and well being of our community seriously,” Burns stated. “Our officers quickly respond to any incident reportedly

Richmond aprueba una resolución para restringir la divulgación del estatus de imigracion de residentes

October 20, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer El concejo municipal de Richmond aprobó una resolución el 28 de septiembre que dirige a la administración del alcalde Danny Avila de establecer una “política de confianza” para manejar como los empleados de la ciudad manejan información sobre inmigrantes y cómo colaboran con autoridades federales.  La Concejala Nicole Jones, del distrito noveno, introdujo la resolución, que trata de establecer  límites sobre la involucración de la ciudad en temas de imigracion federales, y mantener confianza entre el gobierno y comunidades de inmigrantes, según la resolución.  La decisión viene en medio de preocupaciones sobre los efectos que el control de inmigracion tiene en residentes inmigrantes y si seguirán dispuestos a acceder servicios públicos o denunciar crímenes.  La ciudad de Richmond anunció más restricciones en acceso federal a cámaras automáticas que leen placas de carro, y que la policía de Richmond no trabaja con la agencia de Control de Imigracion y Aduanas. Avula anunció la semana pasada que la ciudad no renovará contrato con Flock, una compañía de cámaras de seguridad, pero que puede que firmen un contrato con otra compañía, según VPM. Bajo la nueva resolución, la administración debe crear regulaciones formales antes del primero de enero de

Richmonders gather for ‘No Kings’ protest ahead of midterm elections

October 18, 2026

Sal Orlando, News Editor  Kayla Muñecas, Assistant News Editor An estimated 500 people gathered in Monroe Park on Oct. 17 to participate in a “No Kings” protest, likely the only before Election Day. The protest was organized by 50501, which centered around the importance of the three ballot amendments, and giving the community an opportunity to make their voices heard, specifically against the Trump administration. Question one on the ballot would establish Virginians right to reproductive freedom, Question two would remove the ban on same-sex marriage from the state’s constitution, and Question three would restore the right to vote for individuals with felony convictions upon reentry, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. The protest was meant to include a march, but did not due to a lack of volunteers in attendance. Attendee turnout was the lowest from this year compared to other “No King” protests, according to a previous CT report. Gray Montrose, a community activist, led the event and said the people there were gathered because they understand the nation’s history and that when society loses trust, it falls apart. “We do not abide by the small ambitions of small men to destroy what we hold dear,” Montrose

VCU students organize walkout to protest sexual violence in wake of Cornell lawsuit

October 14, 2026

Sal Orlando, News Editor Tadek Wieczorek, Contributing Writer Around 90 people attended a walkout against sexual violence on Oct. 10, organized by the National Organization for Women at VCU and the Feminist Generation Richmond chapter. The protest follows a lawsuit filed by Jane Doe against Cornell University and seven Cornell Chi Phi fraternity members, alleging she was raped and drugged by the men at a frat house in 2024, according to ABC news. The walkout’s organizers demanded that VCU be transparent about who they are holding accountable for sexual violence. Rebecca Weil, founder and president of NOW at VCU, said she organized the event on very short notice, posting about the walkout only three days before. “I am watching in anger as the institutions that are meant to protect us are failing us,” Weil said during her speech. “I’m watching as the police, as the attorney generals, as the administrators, are just now pretending to care.”  Weil said she does not believe VCU is doing enough to support students who are victims of sexual assault. “I want to make people care and I want to show not just VCU as an institution, but also the people who make up VCU,”

Richmonders honor history of Gabriel’s Rebellion at 24th annual gathering

October 14, 2026

Saniyah Pullen, Contributing Writer Ellie Waltman, Managing Editor The Virginia Defenders hosted its 24th annual Gabriel Gathering on Oct. 10 to educate and honor the history of Gabriel’s Rebellion, which occurred 226 years ago.  The event took place on Oct. 10, the day that Gabriel was executed, and was used to discuss how Gabriel’s story and the lessons learned from it could be used in current justice issues today.  The event featured speakers from the Virginia Defenders and unionized workers from United Food & Commercial Workers Local 400, APWU Local Retirees Chapter, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Workers United and the United Campus Workers of Virginia.  Gabriel, historically known as Gabriel Prosser after being given the last name of his enslaver, Thomas Prosser, was born into slavery in 1776. At 23 years old, he began to plan a rebellion with over 2000 enslaved people to forcibly take the Capitol and the Virginia State Armory to bargain for the release of Governor James Monroe in exchange for freeing Virginia’s enslaved population, according to the Library of Virginia.  On August 30, 1800, the planned rebellion took a sudden turn when a severe storm forced Gabriel to delay the event. Some enslaved people who

SGA led partnership provides students with free monthly STI and HIV screenings

October 14, 2026

Kayla Muñecas, Assistant News Editor.  A partnership between VCU Student Health, the Student Government Association and the Minority Health Consortium is making free HIV and STI screening available for students on a monthly basis.   The next event will take place on Oct. 27th, on the second floor of the VCU Student Health Services building at 1300 W. Broad St.  The project was initiated by SGA’s former secretary of state, Maddie Funk, according to SGA delegate Sollina Abraham. Funk witnessed a similar free screening service at the College of William and Mary, which was funded by their SGA, and felt inspired to do the same at VCU, according to Abraham. The partnership was led by Dr. Shannon Green, director of VCU Student Health and worked on by SGA delegate Sollina Abraham and former SGA delegate Arjun Nair.  One of the biggest obstacles in creating this event was finding sufficient funding, but with the help of nonprofit organizations in Richmond, it was made possible, according to Abraham. A collaboration with the Nationz Foundation, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, led to a first trial, which took place in the Student Commons in December of 2025. At the trial, 150 donated screenings were conducted.  “It