UMW Votes encourage civic engagement on Election Day
ALANAH MULLER Staff Writer
This year, during arguably the most contentious presidential election in recent memory, UMW Votes worked to engage students as they take part in their civic duty. UMW Votes is a nonpartisan student-led organization on campus that provides free trolley rides to the polls and other incentives like donuts, pizza, t-shirts and stickers to students registering and turning out to vote.
“We are the leaders of tomorrow and we deserve to have a say in what our future looks like. No matter who you vote for, your voice matters.”
- Tonia Attie
“I love being a part of UMW Votes because it is a wonderful group of amazing people all working for the common goal of getting our peers out to vote,” said Sarah Tyree-Hermann, a sophomore political science and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies double major. “I truly love that we are nonpartisan and that our mission is not
one that is divisive, but instead is inclusive and works to bring people together through the common pride of being a voter, especially a youth voter.”
This is junior political science and philosophy double major Tonia Attie’s third year working with UMW Votes and she is excited about student turnout for the 2024 general election.
“Students have been showing up and it’s incredible to see,” she said. “We are the leaders of tomorrow and we deserve to have a say in what our future looks like. No matter who you vote for, your voice matters.”
UMW Votes has been hosting various events this fall semester to help students get registered and prepared for election day on Nov. 5. These events are held to make registering and voting a less complicated process for students who may be participating in their first election.
“I am feeling optimistic actually, the voter turnout is looking good,” said Jasmine Rivas, a senior psychology major and UMW Votes volunteer.
UMW’s Working on Democracy first-year seminars also put together events for election day.
“The hard work that was put into planning the day this year seriously paid off, especially with the FSEM,” said Chiara Baez, a junior historic preservation and political
science double major. “The students are all really passionate about civic engagement and Election Day, regardless of if they came into class with an interest or not.”
The FSEM class helped plan events such as the watch party on election night, as well as the lawn games and the pep band.
“Their planning of the watch party was super helpful,” said Baez. “So many people, staff and students, loved the lawn games and especially the pep band. All of that planning effort is credited to the FSEM, including their innovative merch.”
Other groups out for Election Day include the UMW chapter of the NAACP, the UMW Latino Student Association, the UMW Student Government Association and NextGen, a youth voting organization. Civic engagement is one pillar of life at Mary Washington, with UMW Votes recently winning the gold status from the All in Campus Democracy Challenge. According to UMW Voice, this was due to its 79% student turnout in the 2020 presidential election and 43% turnout in the 2022 midterm elections.
“Today was super successful, we’re at 288 students who voted today with UMWvotes on the trolley with an hour left at the polls,” Baez said.
Students ride to the Dorothy Hart Community Center, the designated polling place for Mary Washington students, on the trolleys provided for Election Day. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 5, UMW Votes arranged for free food, prizes, pictures and rides to the polls to encourage civic engagement.
Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
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On-campus events motivate students to vote
UMW’s civic engagement is a point of pride for many students.
“UMW is known for being highly civically engaged, and we’re keeping that up,” said Attie. “In 2022, we had the highest voter turnout of a four-year institution. To see that we’re setting an example for universities across the state, and the nation for that matter, shows that what we do as an institution is effective. UMW students get out the vote, and that’s a fact. It’s a part of our campus culture.”
Tyree-Hermann was looking forward to voting in her first presidential election because of the nationwide affect the decisions can have.
“While it is exciting to vote for local and state offices, there is a different type of pride that I felt when getting to vote for an office that has an effect on the entire country,” said Tyree-Hermann.
Some people chose to be deeply involved in the campus activities, and some chose to withdraw a bit from the activities of the day. However, UMW Votes and other on-campus organizations were pleased with the rate of voter turnout during the day’s event.
“Election day as a whole was a complete success. Nearly 300 students came by the Bell Tower and used the trolley to go to
the polls and vote, which is around double our numbers from last year’s election,” said Tyree-Hermann. “Students were so excited to get out and make their voices heard; we even had a good amount of students who came to do same-day registration, which often means people have changed their minds about voting.”
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Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22
Crime Column
EMMA KINGKEO News Editor
The Crime Column is based on UMW Police reports from Oct. 30 - Nov. 6.
Underaged Poss. of Alcohol
On Oct. 26 at 4:53 p.m., there was a case of underaged poss. of alcohol at the Battlegrounds. This case was referred to O.S.C.A.R.
Stalking
On Oct. 30 at 1:30 p.m., there was a case of stalking at the Campus Grounds. This case was referred to Title IX.
Larceny of Scooter
On Oct. 30 at 4:59 p.m., there was a case of larceny of scooter at the Fairfax House. This case is pending.
Students gather to vote and encourage their peers to do the same during Day on Democracy, when no classes are held. Students can be seen wearing buttons, shirts and other merchandise provided by UMW Votes. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
The Spirit Rock was painted to advertise Election Day. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
November 8, 2024
Church and state must remain seperate for democracy
The separation of church and state is enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This distinction often leads to conflicts, primarily revolving around the interpretation and application of the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause.
Some of the main points of tension around this divide include public education, faith-based initiatives, health care legislation and LGBTQ+ rights. These become problem areas when a legislator lets their religious beliefs muddle their government neutrality. It should not be as commonplace as it is today for politicians and legislators to allow their religious beliefs to guide their decisions relating to the government, nor should religious institutions be involved with politics.
In 2008, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) supported a California ballot initiative called Proposition 8, which added an amendment to the state constitution stating that California only acknowledged marriage as an institution between one man and one woman. Members of the LDS Church in total contributed over $40 million at the instruction of LDS leadership. Whether or not one agrees with the legislation of Proposition 8–which has since been overturned–one should understand the distinction between church and state.
The individuals who supported this initiative based on their religious beliefs have every right to use their values as a lens through which to form their opinion but to use that lens to impact legislation is inappropriate. Furthermore, it was wrong for the LDS Church to endorse and lobby for legislation on behalf of itself.
Not only did the LDS Church campaign and encourage members to help in any way they could for Proposition 8, they also spent around $190,000 on the campaign. This included direct contributions and in-kind donations such as staff time and resources. While all religious institutions should be allowed to express their opinions on ongoings in the political world, they should not be in a position where they can influence the outcome. Through my interpretation of the Free Exercise clause, this is a violation of the First Amendment.
The Free Exercise Clause prohibits the use of religion to affect governmental interest. The U.S. Courts report that “Sometimes the Establishment Clause and the Free
the ultimate arbiter.”
In daily conversations around the separation of church and state, I find that some people fail to consider the Free Exercise Clause and base their politics around their religious beliefs. What is worse than this behavior from constituents is this behavior from politicians.
Throughout his political career, former Vice President Mike Pence has consistently opposed same-sex marriage, citing his evangelical Christian beliefs as a reason for opposition. As a U.S. Representative, Pence supported the Federal Marriage Amendment, which sought to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman at the federal level, which was a blatant push of religion onto legislation.
In 2016, Pence signed in favor of a bill that would place restrictions on abortion access in Indiana, and again cited religion as his reason for doing so. Judge Tanya Walton Pratt blocked the law. In 2023, a conclusive abortion ban went into effect in Indiana, per a ruling by the Indiana Supreme Court. There are narrow exceptions under this ban.
The 2024 Presidential Election particularly raised concerns for constituents who believe in defending the separation of church and state. While J.D. Vance is now
running alongside former President Donald Trump rather than Pence, Trump also integrates his religious views into his political endeavors.
During his first presidential term, in 2018, Trump introduced and established the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative. This initiative states that “The efforts of faith-based and community organizations are essential to revitalizing communities, and the Federal Government welcomes opportunities to partner with such organizations through innovative, measurable, and outcome-driven initiatives.”
This initiative raises major concerns for me as it is a clear violation of the Establishment Clause. It could blur the lines between government and religious institutions while also potentially leading to favoritism or the endorsement of specific religious groups. To keep the separation of church and state that line must never blur.
Some civil rights groups worry that the initiative could lead to discrimination, particularly against LGBTQ+ individuals. They argue that faith-based organizations might refuse to provide services to certain groups based on religious beliefs, which could be seen as government-endorsed discrimination.
Americans have every right to practice or observe any religion, but the application of those beliefs to governmental interest is inappropriate and unlawful. Everyone deserves the ability to express their opinions through politics, but it becomes an issue when a person uses politics to influence legislation based on religious logic. It becomes an even bigger issue when the people with governmental power do this.
This is pertinent to the 2024 presidential election as the outcome may decipher the true strength of the separation of church and state. During a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden of the White House on May 3, 2018, Trump said, “Faith is more powerful than government, and nothing is more powerful than God.” Upon his re-inauguration, if Trump is to introduce initiatives akin to the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative, church and state will no longer be separated but intertwined.
It would be detrimental to our country for religion to overwhelm politics. The attempt to blur the lines of separation between church and state is a despicable violation of integrity and a danger to our country’s democracy. I believe every American has the right to determine their own opinions, but not to determine those of others, and the responsibility to keep religion out of politics.
Exercise Clause come into conflict. The federal courts help to resolve such conflicts, with the Supreme Court being
ANNA GOODMAN Staff Writer
The U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of religion while enshrining the separation of church and state. Daniel Tseng/Unsplash
In 2018, at the White House during a prayer event, Trump declared that faith
Vibrant foliage brings the spirit of fall to Fredericksburg
The Fredericksburg community can always look forward to quintessential fall foliage that contrasts beautifully with the 1800’s style buildings and community spaces. Fall is the perfect time of year in Fredericksburg whether you are a resident Eagle or simply just passing through. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
GRACE WAGNER & ABBEY MAGNET
Life Editor & Photo Editor
Fall leaves bridge the gap between harsh seasons. The vivid colors let us take in the glow of nature’s hues. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
UMW Eagles can look to the trees for colorful inspiration amidst stressful times in the closing of the semester as well as the season. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Leaves around campus fall to the ground, leaving the streets colored with red, orange and yellow. Eagles hear the leaves crunch under their shoes as they walk through campus. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
The leaves morph from a vibrant green to a bright orange color and show the changing of seasons. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
As times change, so do the seasons. We can rely on fall foliage to bring some color into our lives. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
TICKETS ARE $5 w/ UMW ID AT THE KLEIN THEATRE BOX OFFICE IN THE LOBBY OF DUPONT HALL (Limit TWO tickets per UMW ID)
Open Now ThruNovember 24
Eagles turn passions into profit at Night Market
Student vendors convened in Chandler Ballroom on Oct. 25 for UMW’s annual Night Market. Hosted by the Office of Student Activities and Engagement, the Night Market provides vendors with a platform to promote their small businesses and buy and sell their work.
“It’s open to anyone who’s like, ‘I have something and I want to sell it,’” said Night and Weekend Programming Assistant Faith Jones.
According to Jones, there were nearly 500 UMW community members in attendance and 32 vendor booths. While most vendors sell physical items like pottery, jewelry or artwork, some opt to showcase other creative works.
“People sell services. I know some of my friends work on promoting their photography there. One of my friends did tarot readings. So it’s definitely not just physical items,” said Jones.
The event acts as a space for small business owners to connect and create another stream of support.
“The best thing about the night market is connecting with other student artists,” said Maha Momtaz, a senior studio art major. “So many students have creative hobbies or outlets outside of class, and seeing their artwork is amazing.”
Student vendors are not the only ones who enjoy the event, the attendees are also able to find joy in the event.
“I had friends who were selling things, so I wanted to support them,” said Maria Wener, a senior elementary education major. “I love a little market like I love crafts. I love buying things I don’t need because they’re cute.”
Although a majority of those in attendance at the market were students, alumni and Fredericksburg community members also attended.
“Since it fell on homecoming weekend, we reached out to alumni to come shop, so we got a larger audience for the vendors, and I’d love it to be something that even the Fredericksburg community wants to come to and shop at,” said Jones.
Although UMW has other market-style events on campus like the Multicultural Fair, this event gives its platform exclusively to students.
“I feel like it’s a fairer playing field with students,” said Wener. “It’s just students and they don’t have to try to compete with people who have the resources, as to maybe have different kinds of things, or potentially lower prices or things like that.”
Additionally, due to consistent high turnout since its debut in Spring 2023, the Night Market has been able to toe the lines of tradition, which is not easy at UMW.
“UMW is very big on tradition, so I think it has that status now. I think that’s definitely just how much people enjoy it is a big part, and the effort that goes into it,” said Jones.
The night market reinforces the importance of creativity within the student body as well as the importance of spaces where students’ interests are invested in by the community. Pouring into students in ways outside of academia allows people to generate a sense of self beyond the classroom. At its core, UMW is a place that allows students to build on talents they’ve developed and spearhead them into successful ventures.
Mary Wash vendors get a chance to show off their hard work and crafting skills at the Night Market. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
MARTINA PUGH Staff Writer
The University of Mary Washington’s Chandler Ballroom was filled to the brim with excited vendors and buyers ready to discover new crafts and creations from one another. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
The University of Mary Washington’s Night Markets hold loads of opportunities for student crafters to showcase their creativity and skills as well as sell their product to alumni, community members and other Eagles. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
UMW Eagles can sell all sorts of crafts, baked goods, services and more at the annual Night Market. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Crochet crafts are one of the University of Mary Washington’s Night Market best sellers. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s better to find the fit that suits you best. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Sports
Cross country welcomes two new coaches
ENYA CEA-LAVIN Staff Writer
The University of Mary Washington’s cross country program has seen team improvement in aspects like fitness, morale and competitiveness during the Fall 2024 semester following the hiring of two new assistant coaches.
Both new coaches, Bill Stearns and Dave Davis have been working together for four decades, most recently in 2016 at Colgan High School. Stearns and Davis, alongside the current Head Coach Asia Hart, have made changes to the team’s dynamic that have continuously supported and uplifted its athletes over this semester.
“The biggest change I have noticed is holding the team accountable on all levels,” said Hart. “Not just athletically but also as people and leaders within the team. The knowledge and experience of these coaches has been game changers.”
Athletes such as Jacob Lohr, a senior social environmental science major and captain of the cross country team, say that they feel supported by the coaching staff and have noticed improvements in performance as a result.
“They’re very caring and they’re intentional with everything they do,” Lohr said.
Maddie Binkley, a freshman applied mathematics and environmental science double major, spoke on her appreciation for the coaching staff.
“I’ve noticed that I’ve improved a lot since last year, and I think that is due to the workouts and the mileage that I’ve been doing. And they did a really good job of easing us into that,”
she said. Similarly, to help improve performance, the coaches give each runner individual attention by allowing athletes to understand their performance better through race evaluation sheets. The athletes plan the times and splits they want to hit for a certain point in the race, which allows them to understand how to
“This year, I’d say that the team is very driven, and we’re all focused on a common objective.”
- Jacob Lohr
efficiently run their races.
“Every meet we have the student-athletes fill out race sheets for before and after the race they complete, that way they are thinking about their racing strategy and able to reflect on their
performance,” Hart said.
Hart continued, “Being able to make changes and constantly improve is how we are going to keep moving the program forward.”
These race sheets show the care given by the coaches as they make sure every athlete’s needs are being met.
“It kind of helps me get in the mindset of, like, what am I gonna do in this race? What am I going to focus on,” Binkley said.
For Lohr, it makes sure that no athlete is left behind, even when timing is limited between races.
“It ensures that even if they can’t catch up with everybody immediately after the race, that everyone gets feedback. Yeah, so that’s been really good to show their intentionality as well,” Lohr said.
This semester, the cross country team is united in its determi-
University of Mary Washington Fall
Sports Schedule
THOMAS JACKSON Sports Editor
Men’s Soccer (16-1-1)
Nov. 2 @ Christopher Newport University (3-0)
Nov. 8 vs. Salisbury University
Nov. 10 Coast-to-Coast Conference Championship
nation to win and improve.
“This year, I’d say that the team is very driven, and we’re all focused on a common objective,” Lohr said.
The biggest change with this season’s new coaches is a shift in mindset. Hart also believes that the current captains are a major reason for team success.
“The biggest shift this year is with the mentality of our team and being more intentional with the little things,” said Hart. “We also have great leadership with our captains who have really found their footing and confidence.”
Not only is the team more confident in performances, but they are also placing during meets and improving their times.
“A lot of the team have set personal records during this cross-country season,” said Hart.
At the Hornet Harrier Invitational individual athletes on the men’s team took first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth place, aiding them in an overall first place ranking for the meet.
Freshman Lily Hoffman received the Rookie of the Meet award during their conference championships, making it the first time in five years anyone from UMW has won that title.
With the new and improved coaching staff, the UMW men’s and women’s cross country team has seen great improvement in their confidence and morale which aids in their race performance both as a team and individually.
Women’s Soccer (9-5-4)
Nov. 2 @ Johns Hopkins University (3-4)
Nov. 8 @ UC, Santa Cruz Nov. 10 Coast-to-Coast Conference Championship
Women’s Volleyball (12-14)
Nov. 2 @ Randolph College (2-3) Nov. 9 vs. Berry College (Ga.)
Men’s Rugby (4-5) Nov. 2 @ Belmont Abbey College (38-27)
Field Hockey (11-7)
Nov. 2 @ Christopher Newport University (0-3)
Nov. 8 vs. Centre OR Concordia (WI)
Nov. 10 Collegiate Field Hockey Conference Tournament
Men’s Swimming (1-2)
Nov. 2 @ Franklin and Marshall College (126.5-135.5) Nov. 9 @ Frostburg State University
Women’s Swimming (3-0) Nov. 2 @ Franklin and Marshall College (195-63) Nov. 9 @ Frostburg State University
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage www.eagles.com/composite
Full schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.
The UMW men’s cross country team gather around before a meet to share strategies and pep talks. Photo by Tom Connelly
The University of Mary Washington’s women’s cross country team placed fourth along with the men’s team at the Coastto-Coast Championship. Here the women’s team huddled together before a meet. UMW Athletics