Local Richmond residents are voicing their concerns about a historic block of downtown Richmond set for demolition
Oregon Hill residents are protesting plans to tear down four historic buildings on the 800 block of West Cary Street, where a four-story, 100-unit apartment complex is set to take their place. The $18.5 million project, 805W, will encompass the four vacant buildings and area behind them, according to Richmond Times-Dispatch. Richmond residents and members […]
Aashir Nasim wears many hats, and he’s about to add another one: VCU’s chief diversity officer
The Division for Inclusive Excellence is VCU’s most important asset, according to the department’s newest vice president, Aashir Nasim. “You have seen the surveys and you’ve heard the anecdotal evidence — the comments from faculty, staff and students that say, ‘what attracted you to VCU?’,” Nasim said. “Almost everyone says it’s the diversity.” Nasim’s appointment […]
VCU researchers discover genetic links between severe trauma and depression
VCU researchers discovered three additional genetic indicators that have a significant effect on those only who have experienced severe trauma, contributing to the likelihood of depression. Roseann Peterson, a professor at the Virginia […]
Richmond students walkout in honor of Parkland shooting victims
High school students throughout Richmond staged walkouts in unison with a nationwide March 14 in response to the Marjory Stoneman-Douglas High School shooting one month before. The walkout lasted 17 minutes as an homage to each of the students and staff who lost their lives. Students at Richmond Community High School’s protest commemorated the Parkland […]
Commonwealth Times panel on gun control draws big-name panelists
A Commonwealth Times town-hall-style panel on gun violence Friday may not have produced much in terms of compromise, but the tone of the discussion left panelists and observers alike walking away with a sense of optimism. The forum was an opportunity for students and faculty to discuss the root causes of mass shootings, why the […]
Local educators question arming school personnel
In the wake of the February Marjory Stoneman-Douglas High School shooting that killed 17 in Parkland, Florida, Richmond educators are speaking out against President Donald Trump’s proposal to arm high school teachers. Rebecca Field, an art teacher at Freeman High School in Henrico, wrote an open letter to elected officials that went viral after the […]
University real estate purchase leaves adjuncts demanding fair salary
Adjunct professors are looking for answers as to why university money isn’t being put toward equitable pay in the wake of VCU’s latest multi-million dollar purchase of the Mansion 534 nightclub’s property. Tom Burkett, an adjunct professor in School of the Arts, is active with VCUarts Adjuncts Organizing for Fair Pay, a group seeking equitable […]
Current DACA recipients may apply for renewal, but the fate of the program remains unclear
The once-looming March 5 deadline President Donald Trump set for Congress to create a solution for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has passed. However, the program has not ended. The Supreme Court declined to take on a case about Trump’s termination of the program, meaning those protected may still apply for renewal. Lana Heath […]
Richmond Public Schools doesn’t want students walking out. This is what they’re planning instead.
Youth activists are encouraging students and faculty across the country to walk out of school for 17 minutes to recognize the victims of the Florida shooting last month. Richmond area school districts are creating policy to prepare for the event. Student-activists are working with Women’s March Youth, the group behind the anti-Trump Women’s March in […]
New program at VCU targets international students
Navitas, a global education company with more than 120 associated colleges, recently announced a partnership with VCU to create the Global Student Success program — a move intended to make the university a more ideal destination for international study. “VCU was chosen because of its academic reputation, diverse student body, size and location.” said Ian […]