VCU’s cancellation of study abroad programs is another win for COVID-19
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor Upon coming to college, one of the experiences I was most excited for was studying abroad. During months and months of being locked in my home, I had endless time to plan my spring 2021 trip to the United Kingdom. Between applying for scholarships and finding a place to stay for […]
Tea Time with Tagwa: He couldn’t breathe
Tagwa Shammet, Opinions Editor Tea timers, “I can’t breathe.” I cannot believe I’m writing this piece right now. The utter disbelief that sits in my heart as I try to rationalize everything is unbearable. Another day, another innocent black man dead on the street. George Floyd. If you haven’t heard his name, you haven’t been tuned […]
Opinion | African nations are not lab rats for the Western world
Gabriel Thomas, Contributing Writer Times have changed drastically over the past month. Usually, when we get sick we schedule a doctor’s appointment immediately or get rushed to the emergency room to receive treatment. Now, we all fear even the idea of the ER. COVID-19 made its grand debut in China late last year. With absolutely […]
The perfect New Year’s resolution doesn’t call for a gym
Imani Thaniel, Contributing Writer Just about a month ago, millions of Americans vowed to New Year’s resolutions — promises to head to the gym every day at the crack of dawn or abide by a budget to stop frivolous spending. Others vowed to make new friends or unfollow their ex on Instagram so they can […]
Kamala Harris’ attorney record doesn’t paint a full picture
Brianna Scott, Opinions Editor My social media timeline flooded with posts praising U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., when she announced her bid Jan. 21 for the 2020 presidential election. It was full of people excited that someone of her essence could replace President Donald Trump. Since her announcement, Harris’ record as California’s former attorney general and […]
Karen Pence teaching at an anti-LGBTQ+ school doesn’t surprise me
Brianna Scott, Opinions Editor When news broke that Karen Pence, Vice President Mike Pence’s wife, was returning to Immanuel Christian School to teach art, many were baffled. The school has a reputation for being anti-LGBTQ+. But most people expected it because of Mike Pence’s history of being less than supportive to the LGBTQ+ community, to put […]
You can’t be a ‘Barbz’ and a feminist
Brianna Scott, Opinions Editor “Surviving R. Kelly” has stimulated conversation across communities about rape culture and how sexual predators seemingly get away with anything if they’re in the right tax bracket. The documentary has made me think about the “R. Kellys” of the world who can’t hide behind money and die-hard fans. Making buzz-worthy headlines of […]
Burger King run at the White House
Christina Burgess Contributing Writer It’s White House tradition to host a celebratory dinner for the winners of the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Clemson Tigers, this year’s winners, were not greeted with the same treatment as years before. The current partial government shutdown — which the U.S. entered Dec. 22 after President Donald Trump […]
Unpresidented disrespect: Trump vs. the media
Margaretta Sackor Contributing Writer Journalism is my passion. However, it is not the most popular field. In my career, I am prepared to experience resistance and resentment from those in positions of power because my job is to tell the truth — and ultimately be an enemy of “the man.” What I can’t tolerate is […]
A call to action over commencement, a lack of action over racism
Brianna Scott Staff Writer I find myself less and less proud to be a Ram, and it has more to do with the actions of some members of the student body rather than our school administration. When the university announced in October that the school-wide May commencement would be canceled, I thought it’d be a […]