Cover charges are a rarity in Fredericksburg. Even
Students questioned the validity of the account, and its owner, because of the event’s pay-to-enter policy. Tickets were sold in various tiers with the cheapest available listed at $10 and the most expensive at $20.
SEE PARTY PAGE 2
U.Va. students held a protest around the Homer statue on the same date as the RSU protest. Lester felt that the RSU’s protest “brought light to the issue.”
“At first, I was intrigued. I was like, ‘Oh does he just tell us where the parties are?’ And then I saw you had to pay for it, and I was like, ‘Who asks you to pay for a party?’”
“At first, I was intrigued. I was like, ‘Oh does he just tell us where the parties are?’ And then I saw you had to pay for it, and I was like, ‘Who asks you to pay for a party?’” said freshman Aly Geldart. “I feel like it’s a scam.”
-Aly Geldart
The protest by the Radical Students’ Union was held on Sept. 12 from 12-2p.m. in front of the University Center on campus. Photo courtesy of Myca Lester
“The turnout was not as I anticipated,” said Ahtesham-Ul-Haq. “We sold more tickets than the actual people who showed up, mostly because they were scared due to the rumors going on.”
among popular bars downtown, it is typically not expected that attendees must pay at the door. Questions regarding the motives of the organizers arose shortly after prices were announced.
CALLIE HARKINS News Editor
Project Mary was held on Friday, Sept. 2 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Tortilleria Mixteca, a venue located off of Emancipation Highway less than two miles from the UMWAhtesham-Ul-Haq,campus. a freshman at UMW and the primary organizer of Project Mary, created the @ UMWConnect account in hopes of improving the nightlife of UMW students. But safety concerns, skepticism about the legitimacy of the event and unease surrounding the payment process from students led to low attendance at Project Mary.
“The Operations Lieutenant had reached out to Fredericksburg Field Operations Commander,” said UMW Police Chief Michael Hall. “It was at that level, just in case, to have it on our radar.”
SCOTTI MULLEN News Editor
Since Aug. 19, an Instagram account titled @ UMWConnect has garnered over 1,300 followers, promoting their own party: Project Mary. The account and Project Mary spurred concern from the student body about the safety and validity of the event that eventually reached the UMW Police Department.
On Aug. 19, an unidentified person or group threw two rocks at the Office of African American Affairs, breaking two window panes. On Sept. 7, an unidentified male placed a noose around the neck of the U.Va. lawn’s statue of Homer. The U.Va. Police labeled the Aug. 19 crime as vandalism and the Sept. 7 crime as a hate crime.
Project Mary garners attention of UMW Police following students’ concerns about party legitimacy and safety
TheWeekly The University of Mary Washington Student SEPTEMBERNewspaper15,2022Serving the community since 1922 Ringer VOLUME 96 | ISSUE 3 RINGERTHEINSIDE The Newsprotest.organizesUnionStudents’Radicala| 2 Showcase.ExtremewinsCheerUMWSports| 8 Fast Opinioncrisis.environmenttopiecesfashionaddthe|3 New Lifewas.HallwherespacegreengrowsAlveyonce| 5
“So many students were unaware of what happened,” said Lester. “[The protest] was not what we assumed it would be but we held space for those who needed it, and educated, so we did what we strived to do. This protest is not the beginning nor the end. The fight against white supremacy did not begin nor end today—we will continue to organize.”Seniorcommunication and digital studies major Cameron Washington attended the protest at UMW.
SEE PROTEST PAGE 7
“I have been a victim of a hate crime on campus, so I feel for the students impacted at UVA,” said Myca Lester, a sophomore sociology major and chair of the Radical Students’ Union. “I feel like these recent events and the escalation has made Black students feel like they don’t belong.”
After student leaders on campus flagged the event to the UMW Police Department, UMW Police began communicating with the Fredericksburg Police Department in an effort to assess the risks associated with the event, according to UMW Police Department Operations Lieutenant Bill Gill.
The Radical Students’ Union organized a protest on Sept. 12 to stand in solidarity with Black students at the University of Virginia, where two crimes have taken place over the last few weeks, one of which has been labeled a hate crime.
Radical Students’ Union protests in solidarity with Black UVa students following hate crime and vandalism
program for English, is excited to see the closet and believes it will be a “Isuccess.thinkthe resource closet is a fantastic idea for students, especially those in practicums for the first time,” she said. “It allows people who may not have been prepared for a school’s dress code the ability to have professional clothing without spending money. My experiences with COE have always been positive, so I’m sure that when it comes time for me to finally visit the resource closet that the interactions will be nice.”
“The closet was an idea developed by Dr. Jennifer Walker because she saw a need to help support our students this way,” said Peck. “She kept clothes in her office in James Farmer but when we moved into Seacobeck, we saw an opportunity to expand the closet since we now had space.”
FROM PARTY PAGE 1
Peck has witnessed students struggling to balance all facets of their life while completing their teaching practicums.
The BellSushmaPhotographyGraceErinBusinessEditor-in-ChiefJessKirbyEditorMatuczinskiAssociateEditorsTabithaRobinsonCopyEditorSchumacherCallieHarkinsNewsEditorsJosephineJohnsonOpinionEditorNorahWalshScottiMullenLifeEditorJosephineGoodSportsEditorEmilyHemphillOnlineEditorsAllyTingenAbbyKnowlesEditorSarahSklarFacultyAdvisorSubramaniantowerlogodesigned
News Page 2Thursday, September 15, 2022
The fliers and promotional material circulated in first-year dorms caught the attention of freshman residents and Resident Assistants.
Ahtesham-Ul-Haq began attending UMW in 2021 but withdrew due to the death of a close friend. He re-enrolled at UMW for the 2022-2023 year.
“We’ve had a decent amount for how long it’s been open,” said Strong. “We’ve also had a ton of donations, which is great. We’ve already had a lot of interest in it.”
Please direct all advertising inquiries to Erin Matuczinski weeklyringer.associate@gmail.comweeklyringer.photos@gmail.comweeklyringer.business@gmail.com.atweeklyringer.eic@gmail.comssubrama@umw.eduweeklyringer.online@gmail.comweeklyringer.sports@gmail.comweeklyringer.life@gmail.comweeklyringer.opinion@gmail.comweeklyringer.news@gmail.comweeklyringer.copy@gmail.comweeklyringer.business@gmail.com
Project Mary receives low attendance
Please report any corrections to Jess Kirby at weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian at ssubrama@umw.edu
“I’m definitely happy now that people are willing to put their trust in us,” he said.
On Sept. 6, the College of Education opened the COE Clothes Closet in Seacobeck Hall for education students to borrow professional clothing to wear to their teaching practicums.
Weekly Ringer Editorial Staff by Bernadette D’Auria
The organizers eventually stopped checking IDs at the front door and began allowing anyone in, even if they had not purchased a ticket. Despite this, the
“My residents thought it was fake and super sketchy,” said an RA in charge of a freshman dorm, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to share this information while maintaining the trust of his residents. “There was a lot of hesitancy and a little bit of shade thrown towards those planning on going.”
“This particular event did not elevate to something dangerous because we had a lot of information coming very quickly,” said Hall.The ease with which local police were able to log information about the event provided an additional layer of skepticism for potential party-goers.
“I lost my best friend 10 days before coming here,” he said. “I was just going through that phase and my escape was parties.”Ahtesham-Ul-Haq said he hired people to help him run Project Mary and @ UMWConnect.“It’sreallyhard to manage the teams I’ve hired,” he said. “It’s like they don’t know who the UMW crowd is. For the past few weeks, I’ve been managing it myself.”
Corrections
“I think it is a valuable resource since this can help take away a potential stressor,” said Associate Dean of Clinical Experiences and Partnerships for the COE Kristina Peck. “Some students don’t have transportation to take them to a clothing store to try on clothes but buying clothes online causes anxiety. Some students do not have the finances to just be able to buy another pair of dress pants because maybe their one pair got a stain on it.”
Due to staff error, last week’s article “Classes cancled, relocated or moved online due to air conditioning issues and extreme heat in Combs Hall” misspelled Andréa Livi Smith’s name.
The Weekly Ringer contacted 24 students regarding their experience attending Project Mary. Only one, a freshman on the men’s lacrosse team, was willing to be quoted under the condition that he remain anonymous.
Advertisement
Project Mary was ultimately not interpreted as a threat by either agency involved in the assessment process. The social media presence allowed authorities to easily monitor what was currently happening and what was being planned.
Grace Strong, a student aide for the COE and a junior double major in elementary education and English, has worked for the COE since the start of the closet and is happy with the amount of people interested in it. She said that five people have utilized the closet in the week that it’s been open.
‘22
Gill cautioned students about attending events like Project Mary.
Peck hopes the closet will make practicum more accessible for students.“Having clothing that makes you feel good helps give you confidence,” said Peck. “We want to help create future educators who feel confident when they enter the classroom and if this is one way to help, I’m glad we are able to do it.”
Bernadette D’Auria, a graduate student in the five-year education
Students can access the COE Clothes Closet by speaking to a student aide in Seacobeck 103. The closet is open Monday 9 a.m.10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-4 p.m., Thursday 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Anyone with questions or to set up an appointment can email COEstudentasst@gmail.com.
SCOTTI MULLEN News Editor
“I thought it was immediately pretty sketchy since anyone could find it, including police,” said freshman Sofia Szczepankiewicz.Theaccountbegan promoting Project Mary on Aug. 19 with an Instagram post captioned, “SAVE THE DATE 9/2 PROJECT MARY.” Project Mary was labeled on the event’s website as the “biggest party of the year,” and attendees were told to expect “top DJs” and various giveaways.Despite Project Mary being advertised as an event for the entire student body, many
of the account’s followers are freshmen. Efforts to advertise the event extended beyond social media, as organizers slid fliers under the doors of freshman dorm rooms and appeared across campus to encourage students to attend.
The project was started over the summer and led by COE professors and staff.
“I have seen our COE students struggle financially as they try to balance school, clinical experiences (practicum or internship) and work,” she said. “Often, work must be put on the backburner for our students to be able to focus on developing their skills as a teacher.”
“Basically it was terrible,” he said. “It was a really small crowd and I would never want to go to one of those events again.”
The closet supplies clothes for practicums. Kenya Carter / The Weekly Ringer
organizers nearly broke even on costs and are confident that they have the trust of the student body, Ahtesham-Ul-Haq said.
“As they saw on Friday at Project Mary, we’re legit and we mean business.”
“From my experience, nothing good comes from these types of events, it’s a promoter and a business trying to make a quick cash grab,” said Gill.
Erin Landfair contributed to reporting for this article.
COE Clothes Closet provides practicum attire
Because of their notoriety as low-quality pieces, shoppers who go to thrift stores in search of pieces that will last them a long time know which brands to avoid, which only adds to the quantity of fast fashion on the racks.“Personally
In addition to thrifting becoming more mainstream and attracting shoppers of a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, it is important to recognize that many people rely on thrifting and second-hand shops as their main source of clothing. Many articles of clothing that fast fashion brands sell do not have this in mind, however, thus limiting the space on the racks for useful pieces.
Downtown Fredericksburg boasts many thrift stores for students to visit.
The
This poses a huge threat to the environment, for using synthetic materials such as polyester is detrimental to the planet’s wellbeing. According to Greenpeace, “If we take into account the fossil fuels used in its production, CO2 emissions for polyester clothing are nearly three times higher than for cotton!” Furthermore, in addition to its emissions, the waste that the fast fashion industry leaves behind is non-biodegradable, which makes it even more of a pollutant.
Fast fashion harms the environment, even in thrift stores
In addition to the negative environmental effects of fast fashion brands, by catering these pieces towards microtrends, the clothing these brands make is low quality and meant to be worn only a couple of times. By the time the pieces make it to the thrift store, instead of shoppers finding timeless pieces that will last a long time, they find poorly made articles that are already falling apart.“Whenever I go to a thrift store and see clothing articles from Shein, Romwe or any of the main fast fashion brands, I am personally met with disappointment because I know the quality of those pieces,” said Maggie Corcoran, a junior psychology major. “It’s all there due to overconsumption, which is a big issue when it comes to the
Becauseenvironment.”thesepieces
have to be produced fast enough to keep up with the turnover of microtrends, they are low quality. According to NPR, “That means manufacturing in low-wage countries like China, but it also means using cheap, synthetic materials and rudimentary manufacturing processes.
The key to being more environmentally friendly is rewearing your clothing, since buying more clothing is only giving into the fashion industry by keeping the demand high. With fast fashion pieces being of poor quality, however, this isn’t realistic in the long run. After trying to extend the life of your clothing as much as you can, finding clothing that is durable and made of higher quality materials is the most sustainable way to participate in the fashion industry. For some people, this may mean shopping for sustainable clothing brands such as Patagonia, Girlfriend Collective and Reformation if you have the financial means, and others may find the best options at a local thrift store—if you can dig through the
fastAdditionally,fashion. not all thrift stores are full of pieces made from quality materials, but the issue with fast fashion is the sheer amount of items that are appearing in these stores.“Inrecent years I have noticed quite a lot of fast fashion in thrift stores. Sometimes it feels like it’s taking away from the authenticity or ‘vintage’ aspect of thrifting, which can change the experience of it,” said Tyler Clift, a senior psychology major. “However, people shopping at thrift stores out of necessity rather than for a hobby/ style choice may like being able to find more ‘trendy’ items in an accessible way if they do not have access to online shopping.”Furthermore, clothing recyclers are another alternative to donating fast fashion articles. These allow clothing to be reused and not end up in the landfill or take up room in thrift stores.
NORAH WALSH Associate Editor
So, instead of giving into the wasteful and harmful cycle of microtrends and fast fashion, think about the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Limit your overall consumption of clothing, and pay attention to the quality of your clothing for the sake of long-term use as well as the health of the planet. And finally, stop buying into microtrends that will inevitably end up in the thrift store or landfills, consequently offering low quality pieces to those who are looking for practical, useful and necessary articles of clothing.
According to Greenpeace, “One piece of clothing can release 700,000 fibers in a single wash.” These fibers wash down the drain and end up in nearby bodies of water. In addition to the issue of these pollutants remaining in the
Thrifting offsets some negative environmental effects of fast fashion.
Is this to say that you should just throw away your fast fashion clothing? No.
Opinion Page 3Thursday, September 15, 2022
“The practice of donating clothes or reselling them isn’t all bad,” said Corcoran. “It does prolong the use of the product, but a lot of the clothing is made of cheap materials that are bad for the environment when you wash them, leaking micro plastics into the water.”
-Maggie Corcoran
“A lot of donations to thrift shops end up in landfills already and that is a big problem when it comes to fast fashion, the sheer amount of waste,” said Corcoran. “If you are looking to better your shopping practices and can afford to shop elsewhere, do that.”
I do notice a lot of fast fashion in thrift stores and it’s showing up more and more. I’m not sure if it’s necessarily because the trends are quick to change, or people choose not to buy them,” said Marcelo Ruggiero, a senior international business major. “When I see a piece of clothing that is name-brand or I can tell is fast fashion, I just move right along, and I don’t think I’m the only one who does that.”
water, the fibers are even more detrimental when fish consume them only to be caught and fed to human beings, thus affecting our health.
Sarah Sklar / Weekly Ringer
Fast fashion may also pose a threat to your health because of the materials used to make the clothes. At the University of Toronto, “Scientists found that a jacket for toddlers, purchased from Chinese retailer Shein, contained almost 20 times the amount of lead that Health Canada says is safe for children,” according to CBC News.
With the increase in fast fashion and microtrends— trends that rise and fall out of style quickly—over the past few years, clothing consumption is constant, leaving the pieces that fall out of fashion sitting in people’s closets. Before too long, this clothing often ends up in thrift stores, leaving a once-reliable, inexpensive source of clothing filled with cheap, low-quality fast fashion. Instead of continuing this cycle by purchasing fast fashion, we should buy high-quality, long-lasting pieces and rewear the clothing we already have.
Thrift stores are consistently stocked with donations, so keeping poorly-made articles on the racks only takes away space that could be used for higher-quality donations that shoppers look for at thrift stores.
Lisa Fotios / Pexels
“Whenever I go to a thrift store and see clothing articles from Shein, Romwe or any of the main fast fashion brands, I am personally met with disappointment because I know the quality of those pieces.”
“My favorite song right now is called ‘Nonsense’ by Sabrina Carpenter,” said Lauryn Taylor, a junior studio art and communication and digital studies double major. “I love that song because it makes me want to dance every time I hear it and it’s a romantic and goofy song.”
Sky Shane, junior creative writing major Photo courtesy of Sky Shane
Emma Bower, senior English and studio art double major
“My favorite song at the moment is ‘Halloweentown’ by Dark Divine,” said Sky Shane, a junior creative writing major. “It is the perfect rock song to help me get in a spooky mood for the upcoming holiday.”
Emily Whitt, senior accounting major Photo courtesy of Emily Whitt
Lauryn Taylor, junior studio art and communication and digital studies double major Photo courtesy of Lauryn Taylor
In my life: What are UMW students’ current favorite songs?
“My favorite song at the moment is ‘Carrying Your Love With Me’ by George Strait because this song makes me feel better when I miss my boyfriend and it reminds me that everything is going to be okay,” said Emily Whitt, a senior accounting major.
Life Page 4Thursday, September 15, 2022
On Campus Walk during a class change, with thousands of students walking and biking and rushing to be on time, it’s hard to ignore the many unique ways that UMW students express themselves. But even as students have such varying styles, they often have one similarity: listening to music. We asked UMW students what they’re listening to so you can hear their current favorite tunes.
“‘Betty’ by Yung Gravy,” said Emma Bower, a senior English and studio art double major. “It’s really fun to blast absolutely anywhere. The Rick Astley beat is funky and energizing, and so is Yung Gravy.”
Olivia Breda, senior studio art major Photo courtesy of Olivia Breda
Photo courtesy of Emma Bower
“‘Calm Before the Storm’ by Fall Out Boy,” said Olivia Breda, a senior studio art major. “Fall Out Boy was the first band I really liked, and that song is really fun to sing in the car.”
“‘Narrow Way’ by Bob Dylan,” said Eli Keith, a senior creative writing major in the five-year secondary education program. “Came out Sept. 10, 2012, almost exactly 10 years ago, and it’s seven and a half minutes long. It’s one of those songs where if you’re driving or if you’re running it’s a good song to go to. It just feels like you’ve got a lot of momentum and it’s a great rocker. You really get the hang of it pretty quickly and then you can jam along to it.”
Josephine Johnson and Josephine Good contributed to reporting for this article.
JESS Editor-in-ChiefKIRBY
Eli Keith, senior creative writing major in the five-year secondary education program Photo courtesy of Eli Keith
Many students enjoy spending time on Ball Circle or relaxing at Jefferson Square, so having an additional option available for students on the opposite end of the university is convenient for those who live in Eagle Landing or Arrington Hall.
Kenya Carter / The Weekly Ringer
This semester marks the first year that UMW’s green space will be open for student enjoyment. The area that was previously Alvey Hall is now a grass-covered field that will be room to house leisure activities like ones that occur on other open spaces on campus such as Ball Circle, Jefferson Square and “The Beach’’ in front of Mason and Randolph Halls.
KENYA CARTER & KRANSTON BLAKEY Staff Photographer & Staff Writer
The space brings an official stopping point to Campus Walk and has multiple lamp posts for lighting. Surrounding the field on either side is a ring of mulch that is helping grow new trees and greenery.
The green space now brings an official stopping point to Campus Walk. Kenya Carter / The Weekly Ringer
Life Page 5Thursday, September 15, 2022
Newly-planted foliage is arranged around the green space.
Kenya Carter / The Weekly Ringer
Looking down on the green space from above.
Photo essay: New foliage grows where Alvey once stood
Opinion Page 6Thursday, September 15, 2022
As these students lose their publication—their voice—we push our voice to get louder so their forced silence doesn’t go unnoticed.
Another example can be found at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Lake Balboa, Calif., where the student publication, The Pearl Post, faces intimidation for reporting that their teacher-librarian, Greta Enzser, “had refused to comply with the district’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Even though the librarian’s HIPPA complaint was not sustained and the Student Press Law Center said they had the right to keep Enzer’s name in the story, the student paper’s advisor, Adriana Chavira, was suspended for three days without pay for not removing Enzser’s name, according to an article by The Pearl Post. Her suspension started on Sept. 1.
As student journalists at the university level, we pay attention to events, opinions and traditions, but we also pay attention to the administration. We are frequently the middlemen between the student body and administrators, relaying what each party said and trying to find the truth, which often lies somewhere in between. It is our responsibility to hold those in power accountable to the best of our ability, and we do not take that role lightly.
But even when we don’t face explicit censorship, we face barriers that significantly hinder our ability to report theIntruth.March, The Weekly Ringer submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to UMW’s university relations, requesting access to the final results of an Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility case involving a physical assault between students from earlier that semester. The university denied us access to these records, citing exemptions from the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3705.4, the Family Educational
Members of the 2021-2022 Weekly Ringer editorial staff. Callie Harkins / The Weekly Ringer
On March 31, student journalists at Northwest High School in Grand Island, Neb. had their newspaper shut down by school administration. The reason? They used writers’ preferred names on their bylines and published several pieces relating to LGBTQ+ issues against the wishes of several administrative figures. Their journalism class no longer exists.
In the face of intimidation and censorship tactics like these, we look to journalists who stand their ground, and we learn from them in our mission to defend the publication of the truth.
THE WEEKLY RINGER EDITORIAL BOARD
In the face of intimidation and censorship tactics like these, we look to journalists who stand their ground, and we learn from them in our mission to defend the publication of the truth.
Jess Kirby and Grace Schumacher, editors, and Eli Keith, senior writer, paint a newsstand. Sarah Sklar / The Weekly Ringer
The Weekly Ringer has not been granted access to the final results of the Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility case. Without access to disciplinary records, student reporters cannot adequately perform the vital watchdog role of providing accountability—of protecting students.
Throughout history, journalists have been subjected to censorship, persecution and intimidation tactics, all of which are attempts to limit the dissemination of information. As student journalists, we are not exempt from these practices, and each instance only invigorates us to be more dedicated and passionate about our work. These occurrences are also more frequent and recent than you may believe.
Being students ourselves, this fight is exhausting and disheartening. But every once in a while, a friend or advisor or interviewee reminds us just how important this work is, and we are once again invigorated.
Staff Editorial: Student journalism is necessary but often faces censorship and intimidation
By the end of our four years as student journalists and editors, we may find ourselves exhausted, but those who come after us bring fresh eyes, high spirits and a passion for doing the right thing, even when it brings us at odds with the university.
This staff editorial was led by Norah Walsh and Jess Kirby.
Weekly Ringer editors Josephine Johnson, Emily Hemphill and Abby Knowles paint a newsstand. Sarah Sklar / The Weekly Ringer
Just as our time at Mary Washington is short, our time on The Weekly Ringer is, too. By the end of our four years as student journalists and editors, we may find ourselves exhausted, but those who come after us bring fresh eyes, high spirits and a passion for doing the right thing, even when it brings us at odds with the university. The Weekly Ringer’s commitment to uncovering and reporting the truth will outlast our individual four years.
But we can’t do it alone. If you are a student looking to get involved, join our club and write for us or join our editorial staff—we can always use another set of eyes. If you are an administrator, faculty or staff member, advocate for us—we need your support as we work to keep Mary Washington safe, accountable and informed.
Rights and Privacy Act and the “scholastic records” exemption of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. However, according to a Weekly Ringer reporter’s meeting with the Student Press Law Center, 20 U.S. Code § 1232g(b)(6)(B) and (C), which discusses family educational and privacy rights, specifies that “nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an institution of postsecondary education from disclosing the final results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by such institution against a student who is an alleged perpetrator of any crime of violence.” According to the U.S. Department of Education, physical assault is a crime of violence.Nevertheless,
Two recent crimes at UVa spur protest at UMW outside University Center
“The appropriate response should be to investigate it (which is actively going on) and punish the student/ individuals that were involved,” he said.
On Sept. 13 at 2:16 a.m., there was a larceny of bicycle at the Palmieri Plaza. This case is pending.
The Radical Students’ Union is
ofLarcenyPetitColumnLarcenybicycle
“We, Black students, at PWIs deserve the same safety and security as white students. We deserve to feel safe in our own area. It just is frustrating to be outcasted because of something we can’t change. The hate for no reason is -Mycadisgusting.”Lester
News Page 7Thursday, September 15, 2022
Josephine Johnson contributed to reporting for this article.
On Sept. 12 at 7:55 p.m., There was an incident of petit larceny reported at the University Center Esports. This case is pending.
“The experience was amazing,” he said. “We got to talk with a multitude of people about the anti-Black hate crimes that went down at U.Va. over the past week and in general, we got a lot of support.”Washington said that more should be done to address hate crimes at U.Va and UMW alike.
Crime
SCOTTI MULLEN & CALLIE HARKINS News Editors
“I was heading to the UC for lunch at the time and I saw some people standing outside… It reminded me that racism can happen in any way, shape or form and it is important to stay informed on these issues,” said freshman Colin Chu.
“We deserve to feel safe in our own area. It just is frustrating to be outcasted because of something we can’t change. The hate for no reason is disgusting.”
“We want administration to consistently acknowledge the harm done to Black students and to demonstrate active steps to prevent hate crimes or escalations on campus,” she said. “We want administration to stand in solidarity with us rather than just say ‘it does not reflect our ASPIRE values.’ We need more than the performative actions they have consistently given us in theThepast.”protest led to more students learning about the issue.
“An injustice towards anyone is a threat to justice everywhere on our campus,” said Lester. “We are actively seeking people to help draft a letter regarding these issues on campus as well.”
The police are working to identify the person who committed the hate crime at U.Va. Kenya Carter
A student protesting holds a sign that reads “silence is compliance.” Photo courtesy of Myca Lester
“UVA has a history of not responding to hate crime issues too well so putting pressure on them to get it done swiftly and treating other hate crimes with the same seriousness is imperative. The same exact thing goes for here at Mary -CameronWashington.”Washington
“UVA has a history of not responding to hate crime issues too well so putting pressure on them to get it done swiftly and treating other hate crimes with the same seriousness is imperative. The same exact thing goes for here at Mary Washington.”
Lester agrees that more should be done, especially for the UMW community.
planning to take action to address problems on the UMW campus.
Lester stressed that regardless of where these events take place, they still affect Black students in the UMW community.“We,Black students, at PWIs deserve the same safety and security as white students,” said Lester, referring to PWIs as predominantly white institutions.
On Sept. 9 at 5 a.m., there was an incident of petit larceny re ported at the Heating Plant Lot. This case is pending.
/ The Weekly Ringer
FROM PROTEST PAGE 1
Photo Courtesy of UMW Cheer
Sports Page 8Thursday, September 15, 2022
EMILYSportsHEMPHILLEditor
Following the conclusion of tryouts on Sept. 11, the team is practicing three times per week until April. Their first appearance this season is expected to be at the home basketball games in November.
Students interested in joining the team need no prior experience and should reach out to the team on their Instagram @umwcheer or to any of the members on the executive board.
Barnes, a member of the team from 2018 to 2022, finished her final competition with a sense of accomplishment and“Wepride.did the extra work and conditioning and ultimately came out on top,” said Barnes. “The team’s win was a great stepping stone for the things we want to accomplish next.”
Cheer team welcomes new coach after big win
Women’s Tennis (0-0) Sept. 23-25 ITA Regional
Sareena understand what it means to be a UMW cheerleader, she also knows what changes need to be made to make our team stronger,” said Alexander. “I am looking forward to being under her leadership this season.”Senior business administration major and current team captain Annie Wadovick shared a moment from last season that highlighted the strength of the team’s bond.“We went to our local All Star gym to practice before the showcase,” said Wadovick, “and I injured my hand during the trial.” With the competition fast approaching,
When they’re not competing at their own events, the team cheers at both men’s and women’s home basketball games, as well as community events. They also train and practice year-round to compete locally and nationally.
Additionally, the cheerleaders participate in fundraising events throughout the year to help fund the cost of travel, entry fees and hotel accommodations. They will be appearing at Clash of the Clubs on Oct. 20 and a golf tournament on Oct. 28 at Lee Hills Golf Course.
GRACECopySCHUMACHEREditor
Women’s Volleyball (4-3) Sept. 9 L vs. Carnegie Mellon (1-3) Sept. 10 L vs. Scranton (1-3) Sept. 14 @ Catholic
University of WashingtonMary Fall Sports Schedule
Field Hockey (3-0) Sept. 7 W vs. Bridgewater (2-1) Sept. 10 W @ Rhodes (4-3) Sept. 14 @ Shenandoah Sept. 18 vs. Bryn Mawr
UMW Cheer wins Extreme Showcase.
Women’s Soccer (2-2) Sept. 7 W vs. Southern Virginia Sept.(2-1) 10 W vs. Marymount (2-1) Sept. 14 @ East. Mennonite Sept. 17 vs. Va. Wesleyan
Full schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.
Men’s Tennis (0-0) Sept. 16-18 Navy Invitational @ Annapolis, Md.
“Not only does Sareena understand what it means to be a UMW cheerleader, she also knows what changes need to be made to make our team stronger. I am looking forward to being under her leadership this -Gabbyseason.”Alexander
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage
Men’s Soccer (3-2) Sept. 10 W vs. Emory @ Baltimore, Md. Sept.(4-1)11L vs. Cortland @ Balti more, Md. (2-3) Sept. 17 @ Roanoke Sept. 21 @ Lynchburg
“It was like the best routine we had ever done,” she said.The team has come a long way since its formation in 1988. The evolution of cheerleading has seen the UMW team grow beyond the sidelines, exhibiting everincreasing feats of athletic ability. Currently a stuntheavy team, up until 10 years ago the team did not stunt or Thetumble.team’s jumps, tumbling, stunts and pyramids are a few of the skills that landed UMW cheer first place at competitions like the 2017 Reach the Beach Nationals, where they competed against teams like James Madison University Club Cheer and Shepherd University Cheer.
“Notcoach.onlydoes
Coming off of a big season and feeling the loss of many senior teammates, UMW Cheer welcomes alumna Sareena Barnes, who is stepping into the role of head coach this season. Barnes is determined to boost the girls to the next level, setting her sights on qualifying for one of the biggest national competitions: the NCA Daytona Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The UMW cheerleading team stepped off the mat last spring at the 2022 Cheer & Dance Extreme Showcase in the Maryland Show Place Arena, proudly wearing the title of Grand Champions. Not only did the team come out on top of the Advanced Collegiate All-Girl Division, but they scored a program-best 280 points on their routine.“We all knew we hit all our stunts,” said junior art history and historic preservation double major Gabby Alexander. “In the cheer world, hitting zero is often the most rewarding part of the entire experience. ... The hard work really felt like it paid off in that moment.”
Barnes’ leadership and cheer experience, as well as her active role within the cheer community, landed her the role as
Men’s Rugby (0-0) Aug. 27 W vs. Welsh Engineers Sept.(21-14)10 vs. Radford Sept. 17 vs. Southern Virginia Cross Country Sept. 16 @ Christopher Newport Sept.Invitational24@Shenandoah University
The showcase was open to any school that wished to participate and then teams were divided into separate divisions based on age and skill level.
Wadovick felt the full support of her team and was able to mentally and physically push through.
While UMW cheer is technically considered a club at the moment, the team is hoping to be recognized as a hybrid-team in the near future. This means they will be considered a varsity sport by the school, which will include access to athletic facilities such as the weight room, athletic trainers, and gym spaces.
“This year’s schedule is jam-packed as we will be fundraising a lot and appearing a lot more in student activities,” said Barnes.
