JMU made recent modifications to Policy 1121: Public Expression on Campus available during an input period ending Sept. 9.
These changes — restrictions on where protests can occur, what's hung in exterior-facing windows, what identity-concealing devices are allowed on campus and more — have sparked concern among free speech experts as well as members of the JMU community.
Head over to the news section for more information on the policies, and turn to the opinion section for The Breeze’s take.
ART DIRECTOR ELLA AUSTIN thebreezeartdirectors@gmail.com
TV NEWS DIRECTOR ALEXA BONILLA jmubreezetv@gmail.com
Gift and Thrift and its sister shop, Booksavers, are now within walking distance of campus at Agora Downtown Market while still maintaining their loyal customer base at their Mount Clinton Pike location. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze For more on Gift and Thrift, see page 10.
COVER BY: ELLA AUSTIN / THE BREEZE
COVER PHOTO: LANDON SHACKELFORD
Further policy revisions raise concerns over public expression on campus
JMU prohibits student requests for lighting Wilson Hall, instates mask identification policy
By K. MAUSER The Breeze
JMU’s University Policy Committee (UPC) has made controversial changes to its public expression policy, with the most recent being published Friday, and is currently “seeking” input until Sept. 9.
On Aug. 1, the new version of Policy 1121: Public Expression on Campus contained 73 changes. The most significant of these limited student and faculty use of “outdoor non-controlled” university spaces and prevented signage posted on the exterior facing windows of on-campus buildings.
Now, according to a Friday email sent to University Policy Stakeholders and University Policy Listserv subscribers, Rick Larson announced more changes to 1121 in light of feedback.
Larson, the associate vice president for human resources, training and performance, said the latest version includes limitations on Wilson Hall’s lighting policy, on-campus distribution of literature and who can wear masks on campus.
Wilson Hall’s lights to follow JMU Brand Guide
JMU will now follow its Identity System and Brand Guide when illuminating on-campus buildings.
Before last school year, JMU would light university-owned buildings such as Wilson Hall in different colors requested by students, such as Wilson Hall’s lighting in orange and blue following a fatal shooting at U.Va. in November 2022.
In fall 2023, this student request process to light Wilson Hall in colors other than purple, gold and white was put on halt after Vice President for Student Affairs Tim Miller denied a request from the Muslim Student Association (MSA) to light Wilson in the colors of the Palestinian flag for an on-campus vigil.
In November via an emailed statement to The Breeze, University Spokesperson Mary-Hope Vass said a review of the request and approval process was then underway, adding that Wilson wouldn't be lit in any colors that aren't JMU-branded until a decision was made.
Now, the changed policy states “no external requests” for illumination or backlighting of any university buildings will be accepted.
First Amendment specialist Kevin Goldberg (’92) of Freedom Forum, a free speech organization, said he’s seen the tightening of community representation in public universities and cities trend nationwide since 2021’s Shurtleff v. Boston, in which the Supreme Court established that public entities couldn't deny expression to one entity after allowing others to express themselves in the same way.
Goldberg said he’s seen many public entities with programs similar to JMU’s student-requested lighting of Wilson rewrite rules to clearly state that the institution is “in charge” of how it facilitates community expression.
Clarity added to public speech and distribution of literature
The latest version of the policy states that any JMU affiliate — defined as a person who has a formal affiliation with the university “but is not a student or employee” — can use outdoor non-controlled university property for public speech and distribution of literature. However, they cannot disrupt or obstruct the “normal living and work environments” or functions of the university and its community.
According to the policy, examples of public disruption include blocking entrances or exits, interfering with educational activities, cultural events and athletic or extracurricular programs, unauthorized presence in university buildings when closed, interfering with vehicle or pedestrian traffic, creating unsanitary conditions and interfering with the “health and safety” of the university community.
These examples clarify the Aug. 1 version’s definition of disruption. Activities conducted on university property with JMU’s permission will also be protected from disruption under the revised policy
Wilson Hall, shown above, was lit up orange and blue following a fatal shooting at U.Va. in fall 2022. Breeze file photos
According to the most recent policy changes, university affiliates can now only use outdoor non-controlled university property for public expression.
‘There is hope
in this election’: Young Democrats embrace new ticket
By ELEANOR SHAW
The Breeze
CHICAGO — Apparently Vice President Kamala Harris isn’t the only Democratic candidate who’s fond of surprise appearances.
Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz jogged onto stage, grinning ear to ear, during the Democratic National Convention’s Youth Council forum on Tuesday as a surprise guest. The room erupted into loud cheers as he took to the podium.
“Each and every one of you, thank you for believing in this country,” Walz said upon greeting the roughly 70 young voters (defined as 36 and younger) mostly decked out in blue.
Walz, alongside the forum’s other speakers, used his appearance to encourage his audience to vote for “the party of freedom” and back the Harris-Walz ticket in November.
Walz, Minnesota’s governor, emphasized three recurring themes throughout the forum: climate change, abortion access and education costs. Walz said youth, more than other generations, have a direct stake in these issues.
“Around climate change, [young voters] need to take a role,” Walz said. “You know why? Because I’m going to be dead long before the impact … and you and your generation are going to feel the brunt of it.”
Other speakers — including Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Chairman of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Andrew “Dru” Alejandre and Texas U.S. Rep. Greg Casar — also focused on these points, with each person rousing loud cheers from the audience.
“He’s just bringing a new energy to this campaign,” Werner said. “It’s excitement. It’s enthusiasm. It’s young. It’s … bringing together a bunch of different communities.”
Sterling Raiklen, the Nevada deputy state director of nonpartisan group Progressive Victory that educates young voters on elections and civic participation, said the disengagement before the ticket change was mostly because voters weren’t fans of either Donald Trump or Joe Biden. Now, Raiklen said the new ticket has drawn more positive attention.
Harris is a more “relatable” candidate for young people, Raiklen said — something he also noticed about Trump’s vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.
“Either side of the aisle, that’s something new,” Raiklen said. “There’s a conversation around that. The engagement and excitement is a different level than it was a few weeks ago.”
Adam Lacasse, a 24-year-old Democratic delegate from Michigan, worked for Virginia U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s successful 2022 campaign. He said his friends were exhilarated the day Biden passed the torch to Harris.
Pennsylvania delegate Kaylee Werner — her state’s youngest delegate at 20 years old — said the energy and excitement weren’t
At one point, Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson led the room in several call-and-response chants, such as “Who fired up?”/ “We fired up” and “We are” / “The movement.” His speech inspired a standing ovation as he continued the chants while walking offstage.
limited to the forum. Since Harris became her party’s presidential pick, Werner said she’s felt a noticeable difference among Democratic youth.
Werner said Walz’s appearance was the “perfect” surprise, calling him the “Midwestern Princess” — a reference to popstar Chappell Roan’s 2023 album.
“[They] were texting me about how excited they were and how there is hope in this election,” Lacasse said. “Since 2016, politics has been something you stressed out about, something you dreaded. The fear for the other side still does exist here, but that excitement is back.”
DNC, page 6
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz suprises the Democratic National Convention’s Youth Council on Aug. 20, “bringing new energy to the campaign,” Pennsylvania Del. Kaylee Werner said. Photo by Abby Allard / The Virginia Association of Broadcasters
Three highlights of Interim President Charlie King’s contract
By K. MAUSER The Breeze
Lacasse said many of the individuals he’s worked with only know the post-2016 political atmosphere, so a mood of hopefulness is largely unfamiliar.
“It’s that, ‘Oh! This is what politics is supposed to be,’” he said.
Werner, who originally pledged her nomination to Biden, said she “definitely” sees herself in Harris more than she did in the sitting president.
“Personally, I’m very excited to be a delegate for them now,” Werner said.
During his remarks, Walz said Trump and the Republican Party care too much about what happens in medical clinics, bedrooms and schools.
Similarly, Lacasse said another Trump presidency threatens his and others’ abilities to love who they love, protest how they want to protest and access abortion care.
For Werner, Trump’s campaign is contradictory to her values of “uplifting others and making sure everybody has equal opportunities to thrive," she said.
“Instead of, ‘Why not vote for Trump?’ — ‘Why not vote for Harris?’” Werner said.
CONTACT Eleanor Shaw at shaweo@dukes.jmu.edu. To follow along with JMU students' coverage of the national conventions, visit vabconventions2024.com.
Charlie King started his position as interim university president on July 1. Here are the highlights of his position, according to his contract which was obtained by The Breeze: His salary is over half a million dollars
King earns an annual base salary of $568,521 as interim university president, which his contract states will be paid through “private gifts, endowment funds, or income from endowments and gifts.”
Also specified in his contract is that King is eligible for salary increases as designated by the Virginia General Assembly in the Commonwealth’s Appropriation Act, which
states that salary adjustments for any employee may occur if JMU has sufficient funds to cover the increased pay and if the increase is appropriated by the General Assembly.
JMU provides him a car
Either JMU or the James Madison University Foundation provided King with one “late automobile model” to use in connection with his role as interim president. The same offer was provided to former University President Jonathan Alger.
“Reasonable” travel, entertainment and other business expenses will also be paid for by the university in connection with his role, according to his contract.
He received a $30,000 signing bonus
In order to “ensure a smooth transition” into his role as interim university president, King’s contract states that JMU paid him a one-time bonus of $30,000 on July 1.
King’s “reasonable” expenses in connection to university travel, entertainment or other business during his transition period from April 23 to June 30 were also reimbursed.
CONTACT K. Mauser at breezenews@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.
Charlie King [above] earns $568,521 annually. Kailey Garner / The Breeze
from DNC, page 5
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is held from Aug. 19 to 22 and is located at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. McLaren Reed / The Virginia Association of Broadcasters
University Welcome highlights: Administration leans on past to strengthen future
By MORGAN BLAIR
The Breeze
With a backtrack courtesy of the Marching Royal Dukes (MRDs), faculty, staff and affiliates gathered in the echoing basketball court of the Atlantic Union Bank Center for JMU’s annual University Welcome, which recapped a new Artificial Intellegence (AI) program, updates on Carrier Library’s construction and a dualauthentication program to replace Duo.
Before speeches delivered by prominent Dukes, including Interim President Charlie King, Vice President and Chief of Staff in the Office of the President David Kirkpatrick and Athletic Director (AD) Matt Roan, Kirkpatrick opened the event by vocalizing his excitement to be back on campus.
“I know you feel as I do that it is an exciting time to be here at James Madison University,” Kirkpatrick said. “In this landscape of higher education challenges all around the country, to be in a place of such strength and stability and momentum is really a gift for all of us.”
In previous years, Kirkpatrick said many people he spoke to didn’t know JMU existed, but that changed this summer.
“We’re on the map nationally,” Kirkpatrick said. “We’ve arrived.”
Here are the quick hits from the event:
New AI initiative: Interim Provost Bob Kolvoord spoke next and discussed AI in the classroom, including the new “task force” dedicated to finding methods to use the technology in the university’s favor.
Carrier updates: Kolvoord was followed by vice president for Administration and Finance Tawana Moore, who discussed new renovations and developments across campus. Specifically, Moore highlighted the renovation of Carrier, which will be completed in Spring 2026.
No more Duo Mobile: This year, Moore said JMU will begin work to move dual authentication from Duo Mobile to a service called Okta, which would only require users to change their passwords once a year, rather than every couple of months.
Purple Star Awards: Following Kolvoord and Moore’s appearances, Kirkpatrick returned to the stage to present the President’s Purple Star Awards, which he said are “to promote the success of faculty and staff who contribute to and support the university through their daily work interactions, research and commitment to JMU.”
The Purple Star Awards were given to various staff members as well as to the entire Career Center staff.
AD Roan debriefs on the upcoming season: Roan said JMU made lots of changes and progress across JMU Athletics last year, including the beginning of his tenure April 30. Roan lauded JMU as “the everything school,” and said the Dukes’ accomplishments are proof of continued Sun Belt Conference superiority.
“In just two years, as members of the Sun Belt Conference and as a part of the Bowl Subdivision, we’ve established ourselves as the best all-around program in the conference.” Roan said.
King’s first address as interim president: Closing the event, Roan was followed by King, who spoke about his hopes for the university as well as the unprecedented nature of the current presidential search, calling it a “historical journey.”
“JMU has never been through a presidential transition like the one that began on July 1 when John Alger left to go to American University and the Board of Visitors appointed me as the interim president,” King said. “I’m sure some of you are saying, ‘Why Charlie King?’ And, quite frankly, over the last several weeks, I’ve asked myself that question several times.”
King said he was excited to bring his past experience in various departments to JMU as its interim president at a time of “such growth.”
Ending his speech, King said that a year can be “transformational” for a school like JMU. With this, King said he hopes to take advantage of his year as interim president and make it one of growth. King cited the changes made to JMU during his 25-year career, including a “significant number” of capital projects with a value of 1.3 billion dollars and developments in the athletic department.
Throughout those 25 years, King has served as JMU’s senior vice president for Administration and Finance, overseeing Government Relations, Budget Management, Business Services, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Intercollegiate Athletics and University Police.
“I’m humbled that I have a reputation of getting things done on campus and in Richmond and as your interim president, that’s not going to change,” King said. “I’m passionate about our shared mission at this university, but perhaps more importantly, I want you to know how much I love this institution, and I bleed purple.”
CONTACT Morgan Blair at breezepress@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.
Athletic Director Matt Roan said JMU has become “the best all-around program in the conference” Aug. 14.
Kailey Garner / The Breeze
from POLICY CHANGES, page 4
Those wearing masks can now be asked for ID
Anyone wearing a mask, hood or “other device” obscuring their face or identity on university property or attending a university event will now have to present an “identification document” or “otherwise establish their identity” at any authorized university employee’s request.
This revision was made in order to remain consistent with Virginia Code 18.2-422, which states any person who is 16 or older can’t appear in any public place or private property wearing any mask, hood or other device “whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered” with the intent to conceal their identity, unless given permission by the property owner or tenant.
Those wearing traditional holiday costumes, working in professions requiring protective masks, attending a theatrical production or masquerade ball, and wearing a face covering for medical reasons are exempt from this policy, according to Virginia Code.
Kevin Goldberg said, like Wilson’s new lighting policy, he’s also seen a nationwide trend of similar mask policies. He said these policies may sometimes raise questions over a person’s
First Amendment right to engage in anonymous public speech.
“The First Amendment exists to allow us to express ourselves as we feel comfortable,” Goldberg said. “So there may be people who want to protest, who don’t want to be known, and that is their absolute First Amendment.”
However, without this policy change, individuals may be enabled to engage in violent or illegal acts while remaining anonymous, Goldberg said. He said this policy would help hold people accountable for their actions, but that enforcement will be a “really big hurdle.”
Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) President and senior Kin Thomas, who uses they/them pronouns, said they’re worried this policy may affect many other on-campus groups not covered by the exemption. Specifically, Thomas said people who wear religious head coverings, people who wear masks during flu and cold season and even people trying to stay warm in the winter are all groups that could be affected by this change.
Some locations are off limits for public speech events
All events featuring visiting speakers must have an “institutionaffiliated” sponsor onsite or immediately available throughout the event, according to the revised policy.
Some locations are altogether prohibited for event use: residence halls, administrative buildings and academic buildings during class time are all prohibited under the revised public expression policy.
The changes also state that during these events, no person may “obstruct, disrupt, or attempt by physical force” to cancel or discontinue any speech — echoing the clarified language of the revisions involving on-campus speech.
First set of policy changes raise concern
The Aug. 1 policy revisions tightening access to the Quad as well as restricting what students and faculty can post on structures across campus are questionable in terms of their “constitutionality,” Goldberg said.
Restricting public expression to designated areas of campus rather than its traditional location has been a trend nationwide after the 2024 pro-Palestinian college protests following the IsraelPalestine conflict, he said. JMU was also the site of protests during the first week of May.
However, there’s no space on campus that is as “tightly surrounded” by historic, academic and residential nature as the Quad is, Goldberg added.
Although security is a “legitimate concern” for universities such as JMU, Goldberg said the university is going “a step too far” in prohibiting most public expression on the Quad. Thomas, who had a hand in organizing JMU’s pro-Palestine protests, shares Goldberg’s opinion.
“The consequences also branch out to everyone on campus … not just specific clubs,” Thomas said. “It branches out and hurts other students that aren’t even involved with politics on campus.”
Restricting what students and faculty can post on structures around campus hasn’t been a national trend that Goldberg has seen. He said he’s “wary” that JMU may be restricting the community’s right to free speech too broadly.
“The irony is just unbelievable … to shut down speech on a campus named after James Madison,” Goldberg said. “Protest is a healthy part of the learning process at any public university [as an] outside of the classroom learning experience. I think schools, to the greatest extent they can, should not just allow it but certainly encourage it wherever they can on campus.”
Goldberg’s concern is shared by the student body. According to a Breeze Instagram poll conducted for seven hours, the majority of respondents (81% with 30 votes) said they’re discouraged by the policy revisions — the remaining percentage (7 votes) do agree with the policy changes. In another question, 61% of respondents (57 votes) said they hadn’t heard of the policy changes.
In a statement emailed to The Breeze on Tuesday, Chief of Staff David Kirkpatrick said JMU supports freedom of expression and civil discourse “within the boundaries of the Constitution” and consistent with university policies and the Code of Virginia, adding that it’s JMU’s “shared responsibility” to foster a safe environment for all community members to learn.
This is a developing story. Check breezejmu.org periodically for updates.
CONTACT K. Mauser at breezenews@gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.
First Amendment specialist Kevin Goldberg (’92) said he questions the “constitutionality” of tightening access to the Quad. Breeze file photo
EDITORS
Abby Camp & Sixuan Wu
Gift and Thrift reaches new patrons in Agora Downtown Market
By ABBY CAMP
The Breeze
Gift and Thrift — the community favorite and one-stop shop for decorative trinkets, used books and unique furniture — is welcoming a second location to downtown Harrisonburg.
The store, showcasing “pre-loved” products “from antiques to designer handbags,” according to its website, will be opening an installation along with its attached bookstore, Booksavers, in Agora Downtown Market.
On Friday at 10 a.m., Agora will host a grand opening for Gift and Thrift, which found its way next to Boujie Hippie, a bohemian crystal shop.
“I’m super excited. I know they’re well established in Harrisonburg, so we’re happy to see them growing as well as going here,” said Ashley Cheney, owner of Boujie Hippie.
An independently run thrift spot, Gift and Thrift has served Harrisonburg residents since 1987. Although JMU’s main campus is a 12-minute drive from its store on Mount Clinton Pike, it’s somewhat detached from student life. With larger thrifting options being more accessible to campus, Gift and Thrift’s curated experience may be overlooked, said Amy Rohrer, the manager of Booksavers and Gift and Thrift’s Agora location — both of which are managed by the same group, Gift and Thrift Incorporated.
“I think it’s going to reach a whole brand of people that we don’t reach,” Rohrer said. “We don’t get JMU kids. We’re sort of out of [their] orbit. [JMU students] hit Goodwills and Mercy House because it’s right in the center of town. We’re on the outskirts, but we’re so cool and we have some great stuff.”
For many JMU students, affordable room decorations and books are in high demand. Gift and Thrift, along with Booksavers, is open to community members’ donations that are then sold back to the community.
“I’m more excited for decor stuff rather than clothes because we’ve got a bunch of clothing shops around here, but I love looking around for knick knacks and things like that,” senior Isabella Wylie said.
Although under the same management, Gift and Thrift and Booksavers are somewhat separate entities. Due to an overstock of used books, the latter was created to separate them from the rest of the stock for a more specific store structure.
“I’m personally excited for the used books. Having more books in the shop is always a great thing,” Cheney said. “Even my staffers were all very excited to peruse the books once they get here, because we have books, but we don’t have used books of all the varieties, so we’re selfishly happy.”
A fraction of both stores’ profits goes to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a nonprofit organization that aims to “share God’s love and compassion for all through relief, development and peacebuilding” around the world, according to its website.
“[MCC does] great things here locally. We try to help with disenfranchised people across the globe, going in and seeing what they need,” Rohrer said. “They get 10% of our sales once a month for First Friday.”
Behind the decision to put a store into Agora were the staff members of the market’s other shops. Owners of shops such as Heartworn Vintage and Grateful Goods encouraged Gift and Thrift management to consider applying for the empty spot.
“The more we talked about it, the more excited we got,” Rohrer said. “We were initially going to be just [one Agora shop], but then we decided that we needed more space. We get so many great donations from the community that it’s really hard to find space to put them all.”
Gift and Thrift management uses the phrase “eclectic thrifttique” to describe the atmosphere it’s working to create. Given that its products are donated from sources across Harrisonburg, consistency can be hard to achieve. Staff members like Rohrer are finding ways to work around this problem through a vision of unique, one-of-a-kind items.
“We have some very different people that can curate different things, and so we’re hoping to hit a little bit for everybody, but certainly we’ve got some stuff for you guys,” Rohrer said.
Downtown Harrisonburg is commonly characterized by its vast variety of visitors to its even wider range of activities and products. JMU students and faculty are met with a local cultural hotspot accessible to freshmen that they haven’t tired of by the time they graduate.
“I enjoy coming downtown to all the fair trade shops to find new styles and little things for my apartment … I think it’s good because it’s walkable and we have a lot of freshmen that live on campus, and it’s close by,” Wylie said, “I think it caters to everyone.”
Although Agora’s current set of shops offers products ranging from self-care toiletries to vintage accessories, furniture and large decor items are more difficult to find.
“I think it’s definitely going to bring some new shoppers to Agora as well as some really awesome, curated thrift experiences,” Cheney
said. “They have a lot of really cool clothing that I know they have at their original location, but [I’m] seeing a lot of furniture that they’re bringing in.”
Coming to Agora just in time for the fall semester, Gift and Thrift and Booksavers are opening during what Cheney called a “really good time.” A change of scenery to the downtown landscape may be just what JMU students need to start the year off right.
The grand opening will mark the beginning of the Downtown Block Party weekend, when students are encouraged to explore what the city has to offer. The new location will be handing out coupons and spreading information about Booksavers and Gift and Thrift.
“Generally, in the mornings at Gift and Thrift, we have people waiting outside to get in,” Rohrer said. “So yeah, we might break Agora, but I think it’ll be broken in a good way. We’re going to have a lot of people here to help answer questions and restock all weekend with stuff that we’re bringing from the store. I love my job, and I love my team … We all have a creative eye, and we just can’t wait to see what happens.”
CONTACT Abby Camp at thebreezeculture@gmail.com. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and Instagram @BreezeJMU
Gift and Thrift’s shop in Agora Downtown Market will showcase donated items sourced from both the community and its store.
Agora features local small businesses. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
The Gift and Thrift in Agora will be closer to JMU’s campus.
‘Your presence alone can mean something’ JMU student-artist’s murals across campus feature themes of belonging, family
By SIXUAN WU The Breeze
If you’re looking for a rainbow, seek no further.
As students return to JMU, they’re welcomed by the vibrant swirls of colors featured in 10 new murals across campus, including in The Union, Festival Conference Center and several residence halls: Chandler Hall, Chesapeake Hall, Chappelear Hall, Frederikson Hall, Hanson Hall and Huffman Hall.
Graduate student Ver “MrArtist” Ikeseh, who created the murals, said he hopes to explore the themes of belonging and family in his artwork. With bold strokes depicting clear-cut figures intertwined with bright, contrasting colors, Ikeseh said the murals beg the question: “What’s a family to you?”
“People from different backgrounds, beliefs, religions … I’m trying to see how everybody could belong to a family,” Ikeseh said. “[A family] can be defined in different ways, in very subjective forms. That makes it more interesting for me, because what’s family to you might be different from what’s
family to me; what’s abstract to me might make a lot of sense to someone.”
A Nigeria native, Ikeseh said he draws inspiration from his experiences living in different parts of the world, including Europe, Africa and now the United States. He said experiencing different cultures as well as listening to other people’s opinions, provided him with a wide range of perspectives — the diversity of which he hopes to capture in his works.
“I’ve lived in places where I’m considered a native, [and] I’ve also lived in places where I’m considered an alien, like in the United States,” he said. “So there’s that push and pull between what’s wrong and what’s right, what’s family and what’s not, what’s accepted and what’s not, what’s alien and what’s native. [In my works], I incorporate the past, the present and [people’s wishes].”
Nine out of the 10 new murals across campus were created over the summer to greet students starting the academic year. Ikeseh said that his painting process begins with sketches, which are
then developed into paintings on canvases or boards, and finally repainted in full size on the wall, revising details as he transfers the paintings.
He explained that mural painting comes with many challenges, such as weather conditions and maneuvering around his working area, which sometimes make the process time consuming. Personal factors including health and fighting artist’s block also play a part in how long it takes to create a mural.
“Sometimes you have to climb up a ladder, climb down, take a brush … Sometimes climbing a ladder might take two hours out of 10 hours of work,” Ikeseh said. “Or if it’s a lift, you have to take it up, then down, then move it away, check safety … Things like that delay [the process].”
Despite the challenges, Ikeseh gravitated to murals because of their constant accessibility to the public in comparison to artworks in a gallery.
Graduate student artist Ver “MrArtist” Ikeseh’s mural in The Union, titled “Family,” explores “the impact of interconnected families” in institutions and communities, as read on the label accompanying the artwork. Sixuan Wu / The Breeze
Ikeseh stands on a lift as he works on one of his murals in Festival. Ikeseh said that manuvering around his working area, such as going on lifts and climbing ladders, often makes the painting process time consuming. Courtesy of Ver Ikeseh
This mural, located on the first floor of Huffman Hall, features four interconnected figures in bright colors. Ikeseh said he tries to see “how everybody could belong to a family” with his series of murals across campus.
Sixuan Wu / The Breeze
Ikeseh poses with his mural “Inclusion,” located in The Union. According to his description of the artwork, Ikeseh believes inclusion often means “a painful process of accomodating something new, strange, and/or alien.” Courtesy of Ver Ikeseh
“I see murals as pieces that are on exhibition for 24 hours,” he said. “[With conventional paintings], when galleries are closed, no one can see them. Even during the exhibition, galleries have opening and closing hours, or some kind of restrictions, but if you have your murals in public spaces, there are no restrictions to how and who can see your work.”
The new series of murals on campus is a collaboration between Ikeseh, the Office of Residence Life (ORL) and the Office of Student Life.
“I thought it was a wonderful idea to put some student work in what is considered ‘the living room of campus,’ where students are spending their in-between time,” director of Student Life Jen Grossman Leopard said. “I think [the murals] are thought provoking, bright and colorful, and provide an opportunity for a student to stop and make a some sort of connection in our physical spaces, which is a huge part of what we do — providing that physical location for a student to come in and find something that they connect with that will bring them back.”
Ikeseh said while the murals in The Union and Festival are available to everyone on campus, his artwork inside residence halls can only be seen by those who have card access to the buildings. Although creating murals outside of buildings are harder to get approved, Ikeseh said he hopes to work on outdoor surfaces in the future.
“The excitement is getting work out there for people who don’t even know you, might never meet you, but still reaching out to them,” he said.
In Huffman Hall, one of Ikeseh’s murals is displayed in the first floor lounge, making it one of the first things incoming students saw as they moved in. One resident adviser (RA), who didn’t provide The Breeze with their name, said they believe the mural is “definitely” a welcoming surprise to the freshmen.
“People will feel more invited,” the RA said.
Ikeseh’s other projects have appeared on the JMU spirit rock in celebration of College GameDay last year, in Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) and in the Arts Incarnate Gallery in downtown Harrisonburg. In 2021, he was recognized as one of the 50 grassroot leaders by the global nonprofit organization GivingTuesday for his “920 Project,” in which he aims to paint murals in 920 communities across Africa while also teaching kids and youths how to create murals.
In May, Ikeseh was chosen alongside nine Virginia artists by the Harrisonburg City Council for the Harrisonburg Traffic Cabinet Art Wrap Project. His artwork will be displayed on the traffic cabinet located at East Market and North Mason Streets in September.
“The 10 featured artists were selected for their unique designs’ ability to speak to people of all ages from various cultural backgrounds; for their attention to perspective,
pattern, and texture; and for the color and vibrancy present in their work,” Martha Hemingway, administrative coordinator for Arts Council of the Valley, said in an email to The Breeze.
Ikeseh said he hopes to create “what people can see themselves in” with his murals. He also hopes his artworks can prompt conversations about how our attitudes and actions, no matter how subtle, can affect others.
“Sometimes you’re so comfortable with your own space that you forget you also have a role to play in being a family to people, or being accommodating to people, or just giving people a sense of belonging,” he said. “I want to see if all those [murals] can create conversations, to remind people that your presence alone can mean something.”
CONTACT Sixuan Wu at thebreezeculture@gmail.com. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and Instagram @BreezeJMU
Aside from creating artwork himself, Ikeseh also teaches youth how to paint murals. His “920 Project,” ongoing since 2019, aims to paint murals in 920 communities across Africa while also teaching children how to create murals.
Courtesy of Ver Ikeseh
I keseh’s mural on the first floor of Chappelear Hall features swirls of bright color. Sixuan Wu / The Breeze
SPORTS
EDITORS Hayden Hundley & Preston Comer
QB Battle in Bridgeforth
Barnett, Morris compete for the starting nod ahead of week one
By PRESTON COMER
The Breeze
In Fall, 2023, after battling all offseason for the starting quarterback position against Jordan McCloud, Alonza Barnett III finally won the job — his stat line at the end of his first start: 3-of-11 passing, 15 yards, a 2.9 quarterback rating and an interception.
After eight drives, Barnett’s redshirt freshman season was over. McCloud stood in for him during the third quarter and led JMU past Bucknell. That season, Barnett wasn’t given another time to show off his skills.
Despite this, Barnett decided to stay at JMU and not give up on being a starter for the Dukes.
“In the era of the transfer portal, it’s easy to run from adversity, and it’s easy to just try to find a way out,” Barnett said. “For me, I felt like I had to be proven here with [JMU].”
This year began to play out just like last year. Barnett has once again found himself battling for the starting nod against a former PAC-12 quarterback with more experience than him.
The vet: Dylan Morris
After 2023 Sun Belt Player of the Year, McCloud, left for Texas State, head coach Bob Chesney and his staff searched the transfer portal and found their guy in redshirt senior Dylan Morris.
The Puyallup, Washington, native grew up just one hour from where he would spend the first four years of his college football career. Despite his COVID-shortened freshman season, Morris played 11 games and started for Washington the following year.
Morris started for the Huskies for only two years. He finished the 2021 season with 2,458 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and 12
interceptions as the Huskies ended their season with a 4-8 record.
Even after losing the starting job to Michael Penix Jr. the next season, Morris still has plenty of experience in a fiveautonomy conference.
“We were trying to find a guy that can be an elite processor of information, that could deliver accurate footballs on time,” Chesney said about the team’s search for a quarterback in the transfer portal.
JMU’s coaches couldn’t bring Morris out for a visit because he was a backup in the College Football Playoffs for Washington, so they settled for Zoom calls instead.
Without even visiting Harrisonburg, Morris moved across the country to become a Duke.
It’s easy to assume that Morris is the Dukes’ clear-cut starter due to his experience and the commitment it takes to travel across the country for his final year of eligibility. Despite these factors, his path to being a starter might not be as straightforward as expected.
Barnett is excited to showcase his growth in his second chance, whenever that may be, he said.
“My goal is not to play [just] one half of football, [but] it happened,” Barnett said. “When I get my chance again, I’ll make sure I make the most of it.”
Neck and neck competition
Last season, under offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy, Holy Cross quarterback Matthew Sluka ran for over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns; he even rushed for 330 yards in a loss against Lafayette. Sluka also ran for over 1,200 yards in 2022, when now-JMU offensive line coach Chris Smith was Holy Cross’ offensive coordinator, and for 868 yards in 2021.
Kennedy’s offense at Holy Cross revolved around a mobile quarterback that could handle a large load of designed run plays. Sluka ran 599 times in four seasons
at Holy Cross, which is 14.6 rushes per game.
Barnett’s quick feet give him the edge over Morris as far as designed quarterback runs and option plays in Kennedy’s offense. In 2021, Morris finished the season with 46 rushing attempts for negative 25 yards – in fairness, the NCAA still counts sacks as rushing attempts and rushing yards.
With no starter named for week one, both Morris and Barnett are aware that either one of them, or both, could see the field against Charlotte on Aug. 31. Chesney hasn’t ruled out using multiple quarterbacks in different situations and said there are “certainly advantages to the plus one quarterback run game.”
But as it stands, Morris and Barnett are treating the game as if only one quarterback will see action — something Morris believes is working to their advantage.
“Each day we’re competing,” Morris said. “That’s how it should be in the quarterback room. You want guys that are pushing each other.”
Even with a position battle, Morris and Barnett have nothing but respect for each other and spend off-the-field time with eachother. Barnett shared an anecdote about him and Morris playing 18 holes of golf together. After playing, Barnett realized he had a flat tire, which Morris hung back to help Barnett change.
“I can’t praise Dylan enough, that’s my guy,” Barnett said. “He’s a tremendoues football player and an even better person You’ll hear me repeat and reiterate that and I’ll sound like a broken record.”
CONTACT Preston Comer at breezesports@gmail.com. For more football coverage, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeSports.
Ella Austin / The Breeze
LEFT: Redshirt senior quarterback Dylan Morris transferred to JMU after playing four seasons at Washington. Kimberly Aikens / The Breeze RIGHT: Then-redshirt freshman quarterback Alonza Barnett III was benched after becoming JMU’s starter ahead of last season’s opener. Breeze file photo
Former JMU football star Jalen Green medically cleared for football activities
By HAYDEN HUNDLEY The Breeze
Trainer Troy Jones described the high schoolage Jalen Green (2019-23) as an overthinker, however, during his time as a JMU football defensive end, Green pushed beyond that and turned his problem into his “superpower,” Jones said.
Green suffered a knee injury that ended his college career in JMU’s win against Georgia State in November. This forced him to face his most challenging obstacle yet: recovery and fighting for a spot in the NFL. After rehab and training since January, Green has been medically cleared for all football activities, according to an Aug. 9 X post by NFL insider Tom Pelissero via Green’s agent, Chad Wiestling.
“I won’t lie like it was easy,” Green said. “It definitely was not easy.”
Last season, Green finished second in the nation with 15.5 sacks last season despite only playing nine games. College Football Network named him its 2023 National Player of the Year, and he also became the first Duke named as an Associated Press First Team All-American at the FBS level.
Despite his long list of accolades, Green waited for a phone call in the NFL Draft in April but, unfortunately for him, went undrafted. In the immediate moments after the draft, he wasn’t
signed as an undrafted free agent, either.
Green said some of his former high school teammates were drafted or signed by NFL teams whom he’s happy for, but for himself, he feels like he’s “behind the ball” in advancing his career.
Since he was medically cleared, Wiestling sent Green’s clearance letter from his doctor and videos of him training to 15 NFL teams. The first two teams Wiestling contacted were the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals. During JMU’s Pro Day in April, the Bengals sent an assistant coach to meet with Green.
Green also told The Breeze that among the teams he contacted are the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders.
Since the draft, Green has been training on and off in Miami and in his hometown of Baltimore with Jones, founder of Coach Troy Jones LLC — Jones’ personal training company focused on improving elite athletes. Green said he’s also been working with House of Athlete, a gym focused on preparing athletes’ mental and physical wellbeing, which was founded by former NFL wide receiver and mental health advocate Brandon Marshall.
“He has the athletic ability,” Jones said. “Him just being able to control that thought process of how he just approaches his day-to-day from a
Jalen Green’s trainer, Troy Jones, has been helping Green improve his mindset as well as his athleticism. Photos courtesy of Jalen Green
technical standpoint … It translates over to a strength.”
Green said Jones is doing just that: clearing his mind.
“[Jones is] just like, ‘Man, pros, they lock out all that outside noise and just work and focus on getting better,’” Green said. “So that’s just kind of the mentality I’ve been trying to carry … focus on me and what I’m trying to do, and the opportunity will come. I just got to put the work in.”
Jones, who works with NFL players including Miami Dolphins cornerback Kendall Fuller and New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn, was Green’s trainer beginning in seventh grade.
However, Jones moved to Florida when Green entered his sophomore year at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Maryland, and the two disconnected.
Jones nicknamed young Green “can’t get right” in high school, inspired by a character in the movie “Life,” because he said he would “overthink everything.”
“I love Jalen to death, and we go back a long way,” Jones said. “I used to stay hard on him about just not overthinking things, and I had the saying that a ‘clouded mind is a slow body’ and, boy, he had a cloudy one.”
The duo reconnected this summer as Green trained after the draft. Green said he works with Jones in Florida and then Baltimore every other week.
Green’s first week of training with Jones post-injury was all about getting body control and body awareness, Green said, some of those things “weren’t feeling right.”
“Once we got that stuff activated, it was just really about getting comfortable in those deeper angles,” Green said. “Dropping that knee over the toe and just being more explosive … and moving completely comfortably.”
As the NFL final roster cutdown date of Aug. 27 approaches, teams are trying to reduce their rosters — not add to them.
However, Green said he’s “optimistic” that he’ll get a workout soon. If he has to wait until later in the year, Green said he’ll be prepared.
CONTACT Hayden Hundley at breezesports@gmail.com For more football coverage, follow the news desk on X @TheBreezeSports.
a workout.
Jalen Green's agent, Chad Wiestling, sent footage of Green training to 15 NFL teams as encouragement to bring him in for
Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts & Pats is the place to do it. Submit your own at breezejmu.org.
A “great-timing” dart to my car for exploding the day before classes start.
From a student who spent $300 on a parking pass and now can't afford to fix it.
A “ouch” dart to my front door step for spraining my ankle and putting it in a boot this weekend.
From a student who just wanted to survive FROG week unscathed.
An “unreasonable” dart to the Uber rates this past weekend.
From a student who just wants to get home safely and cheaply.
A “start-a-podcast” pat to the men cracking jokes in the sauna at UREC.
From someone who needed a good laugh after working out.
Meal plans shouldn’t change
Who doesn’t love to “punch out” at the end of the week and stock up on a bunch of snacks and treats?
Last year, students had a designated number of meal “swipes” or “punches” for the entire week that they chose how to space out.
If they ended up with extra “punches,” they could visit one of the two market places and “punch/cash out” anything that’s less than or equal to $7. During times when students had breaks — such as weekends — the market became packed with students trying to use up their punches that they wouldn’t use while they’re were gone for a long weekend.
According to a Breeze Instagram poll, 92% of 109 respondents said they think punching out at the end of the week is useful. Additionally, 85% of 113 respondents said that they space out their punches based on their schedules. Regardless, if students had the prior 14-meal punch plan or the commuter seven per week plan, they enjoyed getting good use out of their weekly plan. A positive impact of the previous 14-meal punch plan is that students could space out their meals based on their schedules.
For example, if a student had an 8 a.m. class Monday and a noon class Tuesday, they might've preferred three punches
Editorial Policies
Monday to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Tuesday, they may have used a few Dining Dollars for a snack and then just have one large meal. If students had breaks or planned to be out of town, they planned accordingly on how to distribute their other punches.
With this new dining plan set for the 2024-2025 school year, all of the meal plans are based on a daily schedule. According to the JMU 2024-2025 meal plan sheet, there are a total of seven meal plan options: three are designed for on-campus residents and four are for commuters. All plans cap students’ punch usage to up to two per day — except for the more expensive “All Access Plus,” which is up to three a day.
This is going to be frustrating because it not only limits students to two meals a day, but also makes their remaining punches go to waste if they’re going home for the weekend or simply can’t use them. Many commuter students have evening activities that may require them to be at school all day and eat more meals, so they could move their extra weekend punches to use during the week. Why are students restricted from having breakfast, lunch and dinner all in one day?
JMU Dining has already faced some backlash through social media. An April 12 Instagram made on the JMU Dining
page announced upcoming meal plans. Most of the comments were critical and negative. One student’s comment with 50 likes says, “Can we just stick with what we had? Literally no one wants this.” Another student commented, “So now I can’t punch out if I know I won’t be able to get to a dining location one day?! Thanks a lot.” Already, the feedback has appeared to be negative since everyone likes what’s been considered the “regular” for years.
On April 17, JMU Dining provided a virtual forum for answering questions about the meal plan changes. In their Instagram post promoting the forum, they said, “Our apologies if our proposed 20242025 Meal Plans led to any confusion.”
One student commented, “We don’t need you to answer any questions, we need you to not change what doesn’t need to be fixed.” The new dining plan has barely begun and students aren't even willing to give it a try.
Another factor that doesn’t make much sense is the proposed pricing of things in the meal plan. Costs range from $11.25 to $16.26 for a guest to enter D-Hall, which is equivalent to one swipe or punch. However, punches range from $7 in the market or a $6 smoothie at Freshens.
Maya Skurski
LACEY SIRBAUGH contributing columnist
Students walking around and eating in Dukes Dining. Breeze file photo
Editorial board
The editorial board represents the official stance of The Breeze on major issues.
The Breeze agrees: JMU should reconsider public expression policy changes
Upon many Dukes’ first few days in the Burg, they‘re handed a purple, fabric-bound pocket Constitution of the United States of America. This serves as a reminder of JMU’s Constitution-author namesake and its students’ constitutional rights — including, but not limited to, the First Amendment’s guaranteed freedom of expression. With this in mind, The Breeze is concerned that recent policy changes might step on this Amendment’s toes.
In early August, JMU proposed two major changes to its preexisting public, on-campus expression policies. The first specifies that “non-affiliated” individuals — including faculty and students — can only convene in designated campus areas by appointment. The second requires that signage displayed in exterior-facing windows be JMU-related. The latter change would mandate the removal of signs displayed in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts and many East Campus buildings. It also applies to students living in all campus residence halls, many of which display a variety of
signage in dorm windows.
Just last week, JMU proposed restrictions on tent use, bringing to mind images of the pro-Palestinian encampments on college campuses nationwide.
These changes defy a precedent JMU set last fall. When anti-LGBTQ+ flyers were distributed across campus, the JMU police department (JMU PD) didn‘t intervene in part because the First Amendment protected the flyers’ distributor — JMU PD later added during a faculty senate meeting that JMU PD didn’t see any legal grounds that would justify the distributor’s removal.
“As a public institution, we cannot limit a community member’s freedom of expression or legal access to campus,” JMU Chief of Police Anthony Matos said.
This precedent makes the timing of JMU’s recent policy changes questionable. The revisions follow a national trend, with JMU joining Indiana University, Columbia
University and the University of Denver in an attempt to clarify what expression is permitted on campus. Those three universities attributed their changes to the nationwide pro-Palestine protests last spring. At JMU, students, faculty and community members organized a similar protest on the Quad during the first week of May.
But these universities lack James Madison’s legacy. Our institution declared itself a free speech pioneer in higher education. These policies contradict that aspiration. To pursue it, JMU must withdraw the policies and open campus to protest and fully revive the freedom of expression we expect as Dukes.
The Breeze’s Editorial Board represents the official stance of the paper on important issues such as this one. For more information, contact Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Shaw at breezeeditor@gmail.com
Bronze statue of James Madison, JMU’s namesake, located on the Quad outside Roop Hall. Breeze file photo
from MEAL PLANS, page 18
Why can a person with the two meals per day plan swipe into D-Hall and have unlimited plates of food, but another person with that plan can get two smoothies worth of food for two punches? Not to mention, students often will double punch at certain places that have smaller portions. For example, Tenders, Love & Chicken located in AUBC is a good place to use two punches if possible since each punch only gets three tenders. Panda Express is a common place to double punch as well. Additionally, places like Freshens offer smoothies for a punch; smoothies are less of a meal and more of a snack. Students won’t be able to purchase smoothies in fear of not eating enough during the day since they will only have one meal punch left.
JMU Dining claims the new meal plans are “to track your purchases more easily, [the punches will] expire daily instead of weekly,” according to its website. With just a few clicks on MyMadison, students can check their meal status under the card services tab whenever. Although this may be helpful, the previous plan already held students responsible for getting the best use out of their punches. The school will actually gain money if students forget to use all their punches that week, ensuring the students are the ones missing out. It brings JMU’s intentions into question.
Sophomore Alex Rader said he’s concerned with the new meal plans, fearing that it will negatively affect the incoming freshmen who share his eating habits.
“I actually double punch very often because if you go to a place like Panda Express, I would say you’re not even getting that much food because it’s just one entree, one side,” Rader said. “If I double punch, it’s two entrees [and] two sides, which I can easily eat by myself.”
Portion sizes aren’t the only thing that troubles Rader. It’s also the limits on punches per day, especially since he’s now a commuter student.
“I actually think it’s gonna make me stay hungry because if I double punch once a day at noon and I have classes from noon to five, I’m not gonna be able to eat for five hours unless I bring a snack in my bag,” Rader said. “So I guess I’m just not gonna be able to eat at the places I want because of the amount of food I’m going to be getting.”
JMU offers various food options that students like to take advantage of during their time here. Why change something that’s so widely popular among students and limit them from getting the most of their dining plan experience?
Lacey Sirbaugh is a sophomore media arts and design major. Contact Lacey at sirbaula@dukes.jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on Instagram and X @Breeze_Opinion.
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Movein season Movein season
Students unloaded vehicles across campus to begin their adventure as Dukes. First Year Orientation Guides (FROGs) and Orientation Peer Advisors (OPAs)guided students through the move-in process and the start of Weeks of Welcome. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze
Edited by Patti Varol
By Zachary David Levy
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The Breeze, JMU’s award-winning student media organization, seeks a student graphic designer for print and online advertising. Job requirements include creating ads fro clients, collaboration with Advertising coordinator, page layout and design. Must be deadline oriented. Knowledge of Adobe software and previous design experience. EOE. Apply at jobs.jmu.edu
CITY OF HARRISONBURG, VA multiple part-time and full-time positions available.
Start gaining experience in your desired career field or simply earn some extra cash for the school year!
Visit www.harrisonburgva.gov and click on employment for more details.
The best place for banking isn’t a bank at all!
CommonWealth One is JMU’s trusted, full-service credit union, and student banking is better here. We’re conveniently located on campus and offer everything you might need financially as a student. What we don’t have? Excessive and unnecessary fees.
When it comes to handling your finances as a student, we’ve got your back with:
The secret is out – CommonWealth One is here to help you thrive financially at JMU.
To open an account or learn more about JMU Student Perks, which include special events, free food and prizes, visit cofcu.org/DUKES or stop by our branch in The Union (next to the post office)
The Union (Next to the Post Office) Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
