Monday, November 2nd, 2026

News

‘What’s At Stake’: Midterm informational panel held at VCU in preparation for midterm elections

November 1, 2026

Olivia Rine, Staff Writer The VCU College of Humanities and Sciences held the “What’s at Stake?” panel on Oct. 28 in preparation for the upcoming midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The panelists included Ambassador Anthony Godfrey, former Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and  assistant professors of political science Hollie Mann and Jatia Wrighten. The event gave each panelist the opportunity to highlight the topics that they felt were most important for voters to understand before Election Day.  Midterm elections are a way to understand who participates, and whose participation translates into political power, according to Wrighten. The more diverse voter turnout is, the more representative the government will be.  “The more descriptive our representatives are, the better legislation we get, the better constituents feel that they are actually representative in government,” Wrighten said. “It’s this idea that you can relate to someone that looks like you in office.”  Politicians use gendered imaging Mann said she feels there is a trend of “toxic masculinity” throughout the government, including gender stereotypes from politicians that set back progressive political reforms.  “Candidates and parties are summoning certain ideas about masculinity and femininity to persuade voters,” Mann said.  Mann said that one of the ‘worst

What VCU students should know about same-day voter registration

October 28, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Virginia voters can register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, giving eligible residents an opportunity to participate in elections even if they missed the regular registration deadline. Kelsey Jones, VCU Votes’ faculty advisor, stated in an email same-day registration allows eligible students to update their registration using their VCU address, even after the regular deadline. Students who register on the same day must generally cast a provisional ballot.  Provisional ballots are an alternative to turning voters away, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. They are reviewed by a local electoral board, beginning the day after elections. Provisional ballots are also issued if a voter’s name is not in the pollbook, the pollbook indicates the person has already voted, or if the General Registrar cannot confirm the voter is registered to vote.  VCU Votes, a student organization focused on voter engagement, works to educate students about registration requirements and voting opportunities. Jones stated that Virginia’s same-day registration policy took effect beginning with the 2022 general election after the General Assembly passed legislation allowing eligible voters to register through Election Day. She stated the policy gives students another opportunity to participate while balancing

VCU celebrates university’s first LGBTQ+ student organization

October 28, 2026

Saniyah Pullen, Contributing Writer  Sophie Messick, Contributing Writer 50 years ago, the Gay Alliance of Students at VCU won a court appeal that would force VCU to recognize them as a registered student organization, according to a previous report by the CT. On Oct. 16, a marker was unveiled, honoring the GAS student founders and their fight for expression.  The organization was intended to create a “unified support community for men and women of all sexual orientations, serve as an informative resource to the university and surrounding community and assist the university in creating a positive institutional image,” according to the VCU Scholars Compass. The organization submitted their application to the VCU Office of the Dean of Student Life on Sept. 5, 1974. The application was referred to Richard Wilson, the Vice President of Student Affairs, and then the Board of Visitors.  GAS was denied registration in a vote of 7-2 by the BOV.  “Existence of GAS as a recognized campus organization would tend to attract other homosexuals to the University,” according to the VCU Scholars Compass. Josh Leidy, director of affinity engagement & philanthropy, at VCU’s office of Development and Alumni Relations said now, VCU students are able to

‘Marching for a better future’ Protesters march to state capitol demanding a pause on data center growth

October 28, 2026

Sal Orlando, News Editor Over 300 people gathered and marched in Richmond on Oct. 24, calling for state leaders to pause data center development until reforms are in place. The protest was a part of a two-week series of marches across the state organized by Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund, when Richmond being the final stop. The event included speakers from the organizations Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Stop Hanover Data Centers, the Henrico NAACP, Protect Cumberland and Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. Attendees congregated at the bell tower in Capital Square Park, then marched down N. Ninth St., towards Old City Hall. The group crossed the street, marched passed City Hall, then crossed the street again and concluded the march in front of the Patrick Henry Building. Sarah Ahmed, a member of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, said the fight against data centers is happening in neighborhoods and communities across Virginia.  “While our electricity bills creep higher and higher, while our wells run dry, and while families and pets live with a constant industrial hum in their ears, the richest corporations in history are cashing in and we are bearing the cost,” Ahmed said. Ahmed said that state

Surge in gun related alerts around campus causes student concerns

October 28, 2026

Madeleine Biondi, Staff Writer VCU has experienced a spike in gun-related alerts this semester, resulting in students seeking answers from Richmond’s gun violence prevention programs, which continue to increase their response. Since the beginning of October, VCU Alerts have warned of six gun-related incidents on and around campus, including W. Grace St., Floyd Avenue and Monroe Park.  Despite the increase in weapon-related alerts from VCU, murder rates in Richmond are down 24% and non-fatal shootings are down 15% compared to 2025, according to the RPD quarterly crime briefing. However, accidental shootings are at an all time high this year, totaling 33 in comparison to last year’s 24, according to the briefing. Former mayor Levar Stoney declared gun violence a public health crisis and announced efforts toward a public health response by the City of Richmond, VCU and the Richmond City Health District in 2021, according to a press release. Mayor Danny Avula then created the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in 2026 to address the violence’s root cause by coordinating the city’s agencies and community, according to its website.  One of the office’s first actions was assigning community ambassadors to identify gun-violence hotspots such as Stadium Sports Bar and the

Lo que hay que sobre registración de votantes de mismo dia

October 28, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Los residentes de Virginia van a poder registrar a votar y entregar sus boletas el mismo día, dando la oportunidad de participar en las elecciones aunque hayan faltado a la fecha límite.  Kelsey Jones, asesora de VCU Votes, escribió en un correo electrónico que la registración del mismo día permite que estudiantes elegibles actualicen sus direcciones a sus dirección de VCU. Generalmente los estudiantes que se registran el mismo día tienen que entregar una boleta provisional.   Las boletas provisionales sirven como un alternativo para rechazar a votantes, según el Departamento de Elecciones de Virginia. Son revisados por una junta local, empezando el día después de las elecciones.  Las boletas provisionales también se usan si el nombre del residente no se encuentra en el libro de votación, el libro de votación indica que el residente ya voto, o si el registro civil no puede confirmar que el residente está registrado para votar. VCU Votes, una organización estudiantil que se enfoca en animar a los votantes, trabaja educando a los estudiantes sobre las reglas de la registración y oportunidades para votar.  Jones escribio que la registración del mismo día en Virginia empezó en la elección 2022 después que

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

‘What’s At Stake’: Midterm informational panel held at VCU in preparation for midterm elections

November 1, 2026

Olivia Rine, Staff Writer The VCU College of Humanities and Sciences held the “What’s at Stake?” panel on Oct. 28 in preparation for the upcoming midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The panelists included Ambassador Anthony Godfrey, former Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and  assistant professors of political science Hollie Mann and Jatia Wrighten. The event gave each panelist the opportunity to highlight the topics that they felt were most important for voters to understand before Election Day.  Midterm elections are a way to understand who participates, and whose participation translates into political power, according to Wrighten. The more diverse voter turnout is, the more representative the government will be.  “The more descriptive our representatives are, the better legislation we get, the better constituents feel that they are actually representative in government,” Wrighten said. “It’s this idea that you can relate to someone that looks like you in office.”  Politicians use gendered imaging Mann said she feels there is a trend of “toxic masculinity” throughout the government, including gender stereotypes from politicians that set back progressive political reforms.  “Candidates and parties are summoning certain ideas about masculinity and femininity to persuade voters,” Mann said.  Mann said that one of the ‘worst things’ to be in politics right now is a woman, or insufficiently masculine.  She said that this is an issue that belongs to both parties.   “There are super PAC ads that are just weird, featuring a white voter named Mike, and Mike has a crazy ex-girlfriend. ‘The only people crazier than Mike’s ex-girlfriend are Democrats.’ That kind of thing is just weird,” Mann said. Voters to decide on three constitutional amendments Three constitutional amendments are on the ballot in several states, including Virginia, which would restore voting rights for people with felonies and protect reproductive freedom and same-sex marriage, according to Mann. The marriage equality amendment “would repeal our 2006 ban on same-sex marriage, which overfell rendered unenforceable in 2015,” Mann said. Foreign policy issues could sway voters Godfrey said that voters should consider foreign policy issues when filling out their ballots.  “Despite the administration’s efforts to distract people, voters are in the same direct correlation between the administration’s foreign policy choices and their high cost of living,” Godfrey said. According to Godfrey, farmers cannot export their crops due to Canada’s counter tariffs in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. He explained that the northern states’ integration with Canada has

What VCU students should know about same-day voter registration

October 28, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Virginia voters can register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, giving eligible residents an opportunity to participate in elections even if they missed the regular registration deadline. Kelsey Jones, VCU Votes’ faculty advisor, stated in an email same-day registration allows eligible students to update their registration using their VCU address, even after the regular deadline. Students who register on the same day must generally cast a provisional ballot.  Provisional ballots are an alternative to turning voters away, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. They are reviewed by a local electoral board, beginning the day after elections. Provisional ballots are also issued if a voter’s name is not in the pollbook, the pollbook indicates the person has already voted, or if the General Registrar cannot confirm the voter is registered to vote.  VCU Votes, a student organization focused on voter engagement, works to educate students about registration requirements and voting opportunities. Jones stated that Virginia’s same-day registration policy took effect beginning with the 2022 general election after the General Assembly passed legislation allowing eligible voters to register through Election Day. She stated the policy gives students another opportunity to participate while balancing

VCU celebrates university’s first LGBTQ+ student organization

October 28, 2026

Saniyah Pullen, Contributing Writer  Sophie Messick, Contributing Writer 50 years ago, the Gay Alliance of Students at VCU won a court appeal that would force VCU to recognize them as a registered student organization, according to a previous report by the CT. On Oct. 16, a marker was unveiled, honoring the GAS student founders and their fight for expression.  The organization was intended to create a “unified support community for men and women of all sexual orientations, serve as an informative resource to the university and surrounding community and assist the university in creating a positive institutional image,” according to the VCU Scholars Compass. The organization submitted their application to the VCU Office of the Dean of Student Life on Sept. 5, 1974. The application was referred to Richard Wilson, the Vice President of Student Affairs, and then the Board of Visitors.  GAS was denied registration in a vote of 7-2 by the BOV.  “Existence of GAS as a recognized campus organization would tend to attract other homosexuals to the University,” according to the VCU Scholars Compass. Josh Leidy, director of affinity engagement & philanthropy, at VCU’s office of Development and Alumni Relations said now, VCU students are able to

‘Marching for a better future’ Protesters march to state capitol demanding a pause on data center growth

October 28, 2026

Sal Orlando, News Editor Over 300 people gathered and marched in Richmond on Oct. 24, calling for state leaders to pause data center development until reforms are in place. The protest was a part of a two-week series of marches across the state organized by Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund, when Richmond being the final stop. The event included speakers from the organizations Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Stop Hanover Data Centers, the Henrico NAACP, Protect Cumberland and Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. Attendees congregated at the bell tower in Capital Square Park, then marched down N. Ninth St., towards Old City Hall. The group crossed the street, marched passed City Hall, then crossed the street again and concluded the march in front of the Patrick Henry Building. Sarah Ahmed, a member of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, said the fight against data centers is happening in neighborhoods and communities across Virginia.  “While our electricity bills creep higher and higher, while our wells run dry, and while families and pets live with a constant industrial hum in their ears, the richest corporations in history are cashing in and we are bearing the cost,” Ahmed said. Ahmed said that state

Surge in gun related alerts around campus causes student concerns

October 28, 2026

Madeleine Biondi, Staff Writer VCU has experienced a spike in gun-related alerts this semester, resulting in students seeking answers from Richmond’s gun violence prevention programs, which continue to increase their response. Since the beginning of October, VCU Alerts have warned of six gun-related incidents on and around campus, including W. Grace St., Floyd Avenue and Monroe Park.  Despite the increase in weapon-related alerts from VCU, murder rates in Richmond are down 24% and non-fatal shootings are down 15% compared to 2025, according to the RPD quarterly crime briefing. However, accidental shootings are at an all time high this year, totaling 33 in comparison to last year’s 24, according to the briefing. Former mayor Levar Stoney declared gun violence a public health crisis and announced efforts toward a public health response by the City of Richmond, VCU and the Richmond City Health District in 2021, according to a press release. Mayor Danny Avula then created the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in 2026 to address the violence’s root cause by coordinating the city’s agencies and community, according to its website.  One of the office’s first actions was assigning community ambassadors to identify gun-violence hotspots such as Stadium Sports Bar and the

Lo que hay que sobre registración de votantes de mismo dia

October 28, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Los residentes de Virginia van a poder registrar a votar y entregar sus boletas el mismo día, dando la oportunidad de participar en las elecciones aunque hayan faltado a la fecha límite.  Kelsey Jones, asesora de VCU Votes, escribió en un correo electrónico que la registración del mismo día permite que estudiantes elegibles actualicen sus direcciones a sus dirección de VCU. Generalmente los estudiantes que se registran el mismo día tienen que entregar una boleta provisional.   Las boletas provisionales sirven como un alternativo para rechazar a votantes, según el Departamento de Elecciones de Virginia. Son revisados por una junta local, empezando el día después de las elecciones.  Las boletas provisionales también se usan si el nombre del residente no se encuentra en el libro de votación, el libro de votación indica que el residente ya voto, o si el registro civil no puede confirmar que el residente está registrado para votar. VCU Votes, una organización estudiantil que se enfoca en animar a los votantes, trabaja educando a los estudiantes sobre las reglas de la registración y oportunidades para votar.  Jones escribio que la registración del mismo día en Virginia empezó en la elección 2022 después que

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