Wednesday, September 9th, 2026

News

VCU celebrates historical LGBTQ+ group with celebratory marker

September 9, 2026

Olivia Rine, Staff Writer Nearly 50 years ago, VCU’s Gay Alliance of Students — otherwise known as GAS, won a historic court case against VCU. This October, a historical marker will be rewarded in celebration between the Commons and Temple building, according to VCU News. A group of students founded GAS at VCU in September of 1974 as the first openly LGBTQ+ student organization, according to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The school originally denied the society’s application for official recognition, which led to the historical federal case that was ruled in favor of the GAS. When GAS submitted their application, it was not sent to the VCU Office of Student Life, but instead the Board of Visitors, which was an unusual practice. The VCU BOV ultimately rejected their application, claiming that it was not in the best interest of the institution. The GAS was the only one denied in the 1975 school year out of 145 organization applications. According to Justia, this led one student to sue Alfred T. Matthews, Dean of Student Life and Wyndham B. Blanton Jr., member of the Board of Visitors, for recognition as an official organization, and to grant GAS with the

Virginians to vote on reproductive freedom in November

September 9, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer  Virginians will decide whether reproductive freedom should be a fundamental right in the state constitution on Nov. 3. Virginia Question 1 proposes that every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including personal decisions regarding prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management and fertility care. Reproductive healthcare is a statutory protection in Virginia, meaning it can be altered by future legislative majorities, according to KFF. Making reproductive healthcare a constitutional amendment would guarantee Virginians the right to reproductive freedom.  Following Dobbs v. Jackson, The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, the authority to regulate abortion returned to individual states, reshaping the healthcare landscape nationwide. Virginia currently stands as the last state in the American Southeast with abortion access  passed the 15th week.  Under Virginia law, constitutional amendments must pass two consecutive General Assembly sessions with a legislative election in between, according to the organization Reproductive Freedom for All. The measure cleared the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions and will now go directly to the voters. Jamie Lockhart, the executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates, said the amendment would protect an individual’s ability to make decisions about their reproductive

VCU suspends cancer research project over animal mistreatment 

September 9, 2026

Madeleine Biondi, Staff Writer VCU laboratory staff failed to follow ethical protocol on mice subjects in a cancer research study, resulting in the suspension of the project in June and a voluntary end to all projects involving animal testing. The VCU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee determined that researchers failed to euthanize the mice in adherence with human endpoints designated by protocol. Humane endpoints are guidelines that researchers use to determine when an experimental animal’s distress should end through euthenasia or being removed from the study. Project suspension is reserved for cases of severe animal suffering. The project’s principal investigator, Paul Dent, self-reported to the Committee on June 15 and voluntarily suspended all animal testing in the days following. Dent is no longer listed as a principal investigator on any other projects. Michael Budkie, executive director of Stop Animal Exploitation NOW stated in an email that animal testing treats animals as if they are discardable and inanimate and calls on VCU to ban Dent from future animal research. “Failure to follow the protocol both abuses animals and makes seriously flawed ‘science’ even worse,” Budkie stated. The IACUC voted to suspend the project until Dent met with Animal Care and

Three Confederate statues removed from Capitol Square

September 9, 2026

Ellie Waltman, Managing Editor Sal Orlando, News Editor The Department of General Services removed three Confederate statues from Richmond’s Capitol Square on Aug. 28 following the passing of a budget item by the General Assembly. The monuments were built to honor Confederate leaders Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, William ”Extra Billy” Smith, and Dr. Hunter Holmes McGuire, according to AP News. The memorial had been displayed in the public park and civic campus for more than 100 years. Former Virginia Sen. Adam Ebbin patroned Senate Bill 636, directing the removal in the 2026 General Assembly session. The bill failed in the House Appropriations Committee. The monuments will relocate to battlefield sites within the Shenandoah Valley, where they were gifted to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation to “preserve and interpret Virginia’s historic landscapes and cultural resources.” Keven Walker, CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, shared the following statement with 8News: “Preservation is more about the future than the past, and ensuring the preservation of the Capitol Square monuments is a part of that clear vision,” Walker said. “At the core of all we do is the belief that our shared history can unite the people of our nation, that there is

Democracy and Spanberger: Wilder School holds ‘Virginia at 250’ symposium

September 9, 2026

Kayla Muñecas, Assistant News Editor VCU’s Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs held a “Virginia at 250” symposium to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary on Sep. 1.  The panelists included Robyn Diehl McDougle, interim dean of the Wilder School, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, former Gov. Jim Gilmore and political analyst and founder of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, Larry Sabato.  Political analyst Bob Holsworth mediated the panel.  “The Wilder School’s symposium is one of our key programs that we do annually and it really follows what [former] Gov. Wilder is always saying, which is that the people are ahead of the politicians and politics,” McDougle said.  The panel’s discussion surrounded concerns about democracy and heightened political polarization and how Virginians feel about the state’s direction and the importance of civil discourse.  McDougle, who established the Commonwealth Poll, said that Virginia differs in comparison to other states because it is more issue driven rather than party driven. “Our founding fathers would have been very ecstatic for that kind of bipartisan belief for around one issue,” McDougle said. “That’s an example and a very partisan decision that policies really are impacting voter interests.”  McDougle said Spanberger came into

‘A real second chance’ Restoration of voting rights on the ballot for formerly incarcerated people

September 2, 2026

Sal Orlando, News Editor “It makes you still feel like you have a scarlet letter in your head, like I’m less than, or that I’m not a full citizen,” Sam Harris, a Suffolk resident, said about previously losing his voting rights. Harris was granted his right to vote back by Gov. Abigail Spanberger last month, along with over 66,000 other people who were previously convicted of a felony, in her time in office. Under the Virginia Constitution, no person convicted of a felony is qualified to vote unless their civil rights are restored by the governor. The immediate reenfranchisement for over a quarter million people will be on the ballot this November in Virginia, the first time in 44 years. Reenfranchisement is the granting of rights back to people who had them taken away, according to Oxford Dictionary. Harris reflected on not voting in the 1993 gubernatorial election and former Gov. George Allen signing a bill abolishing parole. “That was in the 90s, and imagine me going to prison in 99, 2000 and being affected by something that the government came in and did,” Harris said.  Harris mentioned he regretted not voting prior to his incarceration, and would vote if

VCU Police survey shows 3% drop in campus safety perception

September 2, 2026

Contributing Writer, Olivia Rine Over 90% of VCU students, staff and faculty reported feeling “very safe or safe,” showing a 3% drop from last year, according to its annual Perception of Safety Survey. This is a 6% drop from the 2020 survey. This year, a quarter of respondents expressed concern with their safety at night, particularly on weekends.  On Aug. 30, around 9 p.m., an unidentified individual was found in a verbal dispute, which turned into a physical attack conducted by multiple people, according to ABC News 8. The victim’s injuries were considered minor. According to Clarence T. Hunter, VCU chief of police, robberies this year decreased by 42%, property theft went down 7% and sexual offenses went down 20%.  This year’s perception of safety survey dropped three points based on what people consider crime to be at VCU, Hunter said. “I have come to learn that in law enforcement, we battle two different things,” Hunter said. “One is perception of crime and one is actual crime.”  According to the poll, 57% of respondents were concerned about pedestrian safety.  Hunter and VCU’s police department have acted on resident concerns by changing the timing of lights and left-turn hardening structures in

Code Refresh Reshapes Richmond as VCU Students Struggle to Find Housing

September 2, 2026

Madeleine Biondi, Contributing Writer  Maddy Thurber, Contributing Writer  Richmond’s new proposed zoning code could expand development opportunities and reshape how much housing is available to VCU students in Richmond’s competitive market.  The city released the third and final draft of the zoning code on Aug. 17 which includes community insight from the Richmond Civic League meeting on July 21. Replacing a 50 year old zoning code, the overhaul alters lot restrictions, increases density along rapid transit lines and restricts non-conforming structures in efforts to expand housing. The code also imposes a complete ban on data center construction within the city. Lot changes will increase both the number and type of structures allowed per lot, providing opportunity for an accessory dwelling unit in addition to a primary home. Plans promote more compact lots by decreasing setbacks, which determine how far a building must be placed from a property line or street.  Changes in zoning aim to protect green space in addition to concentrating construction near transportation hubs to improve walkability. Development restrictions limit structure size and height in aim to promote better uniformity.  “The updated comprehensive plan covers future growth in the next 30 years of housing, transportation and urban life,”

VCU celebrates historical LGBTQ+ group with celebratory marker

September 9, 2026

Olivia Rine, Staff Writer Nearly 50 years ago, VCU’s Gay Alliance of Students — otherwise known as GAS, won a historic court case against VCU. This October, a historical marker will be rewarded in celebration between the Commons and Temple building, according to VCU News. A group of students founded GAS at VCU in September of 1974 as the first openly LGBTQ+ student organization, according to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The school originally denied the society’s application for official recognition, which led to the historical federal case that was ruled in favor of the GAS. When GAS submitted their application, it was not sent to the VCU Office of Student Life, but instead the Board of Visitors, which was an unusual practice. The VCU BOV ultimately rejected their application, claiming that it was not in the best interest of the institution. The GAS was the only one denied in the 1975 school year out of 145 organization applications. According to Justia, this led one student to sue Alfred T. Matthews, Dean of Student Life and Wyndham B. Blanton Jr., member of the Board of Visitors, for recognition as an official organization, and to grant GAS with the same resources as other student organizations on campus.  The landmark occasion became for an outlet for LGBTQ+ students and staff to commemorate and advocate for their community among campus, according to Josh Leidy, director of affinity programs at VCU. Leidy said he hopes that the historical marker will be representative of a moment of hope, especially in a time where things can feel dark and upsetting.  “VCU has a responsibility to make sure that they are giving support and resources to all of their students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual identity,” Leidy said.  Leidy said he partnered with VCU to host several events, including Lavender Mic, an open mic for students and alumni to share their stories and experiences. They worked with the library to provide an archive and research guide on the GAS.  “This [marker] is the culmination of year-long events and other initiatives we have done,” Leidy said. “This is sort of the end of a really intentional year that my office and VCU has put together to push forward progress for the LGBTQ community.”  William Sachau, VCU GAS secretary and vice president from 1984 to 1985, shared the society’s main goals, which mainly centered around

Virginians to vote on reproductive freedom in November

September 9, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer  Virginians will decide whether reproductive freedom should be a fundamental right in the state constitution on Nov. 3. Virginia Question 1 proposes that every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including personal decisions regarding prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management and fertility care. Reproductive healthcare is a statutory protection in Virginia, meaning it can be altered by future legislative majorities, according to KFF. Making reproductive healthcare a constitutional amendment would guarantee Virginians the right to reproductive freedom.  Following Dobbs v. Jackson, The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, the authority to regulate abortion returned to individual states, reshaping the healthcare landscape nationwide. Virginia currently stands as the last state in the American Southeast with abortion access  passed the 15th week.  Under Virginia law, constitutional amendments must pass two consecutive General Assembly sessions with a legislative election in between, according to the organization Reproductive Freedom for All. The measure cleared the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions and will now go directly to the voters. Jamie Lockhart, the executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates, said the amendment would protect an individual’s ability to make decisions about their reproductive

VCU suspends cancer research project over animal mistreatment 

September 9, 2026

Madeleine Biondi, Staff Writer VCU laboratory staff failed to follow ethical protocol on mice subjects in a cancer research study, resulting in the suspension of the project in June and a voluntary end to all projects involving animal testing. The VCU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee determined that researchers failed to euthanize the mice in adherence with human endpoints designated by protocol. Humane endpoints are guidelines that researchers use to determine when an experimental animal’s distress should end through euthenasia or being removed from the study. Project suspension is reserved for cases of severe animal suffering. The project’s principal investigator, Paul Dent, self-reported to the Committee on June 15 and voluntarily suspended all animal testing in the days following. Dent is no longer listed as a principal investigator on any other projects. Michael Budkie, executive director of Stop Animal Exploitation NOW stated in an email that animal testing treats animals as if they are discardable and inanimate and calls on VCU to ban Dent from future animal research. “Failure to follow the protocol both abuses animals and makes seriously flawed ‘science’ even worse,” Budkie stated. The IACUC voted to suspend the project until Dent met with Animal Care and

Three Confederate statues removed from Capitol Square

September 9, 2026

Ellie Waltman, Managing Editor Sal Orlando, News Editor The Department of General Services removed three Confederate statues from Richmond’s Capitol Square on Aug. 28 following the passing of a budget item by the General Assembly. The monuments were built to honor Confederate leaders Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, William ”Extra Billy” Smith, and Dr. Hunter Holmes McGuire, according to AP News. The memorial had been displayed in the public park and civic campus for more than 100 years. Former Virginia Sen. Adam Ebbin patroned Senate Bill 636, directing the removal in the 2026 General Assembly session. The bill failed in the House Appropriations Committee. The monuments will relocate to battlefield sites within the Shenandoah Valley, where they were gifted to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation to “preserve and interpret Virginia’s historic landscapes and cultural resources.” Keven Walker, CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, shared the following statement with 8News: “Preservation is more about the future than the past, and ensuring the preservation of the Capitol Square monuments is a part of that clear vision,” Walker said. “At the core of all we do is the belief that our shared history can unite the people of our nation, that there is

Democracy and Spanberger: Wilder School holds ‘Virginia at 250’ symposium

September 9, 2026

Kayla Muñecas, Assistant News Editor VCU’s Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs held a “Virginia at 250” symposium to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary on Sep. 1.  The panelists included Robyn Diehl McDougle, interim dean of the Wilder School, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, former Gov. Jim Gilmore and political analyst and founder of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, Larry Sabato.  Political analyst Bob Holsworth mediated the panel.  “The Wilder School’s symposium is one of our key programs that we do annually and it really follows what [former] Gov. Wilder is always saying, which is that the people are ahead of the politicians and politics,” McDougle said.  The panel’s discussion surrounded concerns about democracy and heightened political polarization and how Virginians feel about the state’s direction and the importance of civil discourse.  McDougle, who established the Commonwealth Poll, said that Virginia differs in comparison to other states because it is more issue driven rather than party driven. “Our founding fathers would have been very ecstatic for that kind of bipartisan belief for around one issue,” McDougle said. “That’s an example and a very partisan decision that policies really are impacting voter interests.”  McDougle said Spanberger came into

‘A real second chance’ Restoration of voting rights on the ballot for formerly incarcerated people

September 2, 2026

Sal Orlando, News Editor “It makes you still feel like you have a scarlet letter in your head, like I’m less than, or that I’m not a full citizen,” Sam Harris, a Suffolk resident, said about previously losing his voting rights. Harris was granted his right to vote back by Gov. Abigail Spanberger last month, along with over 66,000 other people who were previously convicted of a felony, in her time in office. Under the Virginia Constitution, no person convicted of a felony is qualified to vote unless their civil rights are restored by the governor. The immediate reenfranchisement for over a quarter million people will be on the ballot this November in Virginia, the first time in 44 years. Reenfranchisement is the granting of rights back to people who had them taken away, according to Oxford Dictionary. Harris reflected on not voting in the 1993 gubernatorial election and former Gov. George Allen signing a bill abolishing parole. “That was in the 90s, and imagine me going to prison in 99, 2000 and being affected by something that the government came in and did,” Harris said.  Harris mentioned he regretted not voting prior to his incarceration, and would vote if

VCU Police survey shows 3% drop in campus safety perception

September 2, 2026

Contributing Writer, Olivia Rine Over 90% of VCU students, staff and faculty reported feeling “very safe or safe,” showing a 3% drop from last year, according to its annual Perception of Safety Survey. This is a 6% drop from the 2020 survey. This year, a quarter of respondents expressed concern with their safety at night, particularly on weekends.  On Aug. 30, around 9 p.m., an unidentified individual was found in a verbal dispute, which turned into a physical attack conducted by multiple people, according to ABC News 8. The victim’s injuries were considered minor. According to Clarence T. Hunter, VCU chief of police, robberies this year decreased by 42%, property theft went down 7% and sexual offenses went down 20%.  This year’s perception of safety survey dropped three points based on what people consider crime to be at VCU, Hunter said. “I have come to learn that in law enforcement, we battle two different things,” Hunter said. “One is perception of crime and one is actual crime.”  According to the poll, 57% of respondents were concerned about pedestrian safety.  Hunter and VCU’s police department have acted on resident concerns by changing the timing of lights and left-turn hardening structures in

New library loan program offers iPads, Nooks, Kindles

February 20, 2012

As technology continues to play a vital role in education, VCU Libraries are taking another step to link the two together with the introduction of an experimental loan program of iPads, Nooks and Kindles.

VCU students rally for equal rights

February 16, 2012

On a dreary Valentine’s Day, about 40 VCU students and other Richmond residents held a rally to protest legislation they said would undermine a litany of rights – from abortion rights and gay rights to voting rights and free speech.