The Commonwealth Times; April 20, 2022

‘Not surprised’ Masking optional for summer classes

DIANA HO Contributing Writer

MASKING WILL BE OPTIONAL FOR in-person and instructional activities during summer classes at VCU campuses starting May 23, according to the One VCU website.

On March 21, masking became optional in most VCU spaces with the exception of in-person classes and instructional activities. By the summer term, all VCU spaces will be mask-optional, except for clinical settings, health facilities and public transportation.

Brian McNeill, interim director for VCU News, stated there are no current plans to eliminate masking in clinical settings, health facilities or on public transportation.

“The overwhelming majority of the VCU community is vaccinated,” McNeill stated.

As of December 2021, 95.4% of VCU students and 97.2% of VCU employees are vaccinated, according to the One VCU spring 2022 dashboard.

There are 261 in-person courses being offered this summer, according to McNeill. VCU has not made an announcement regarding additional changes and will communicate any updates to the VCU community.

VCU makes decisions about operational changes based on the Public Health Response Team. The team considers the prevalence of COVID-19 at VCU, the availability of testing, hospital space and student isolation and quarantine, McNeill stated on behalf of PHRT.

The VCU PHRT works with the Incident Coordination Team, which was established to respond to emergency situations at VCU, to review guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Virginia Department of Health and VCU’s own medical experts. The team monitors COVID-19 in the VCU community and develops protocols to local outbreaks, according to the One VCU website.

Mark Plume, a sociology professor teaching Introduction to Sociology in-person as part of the Summer Scholars

Program at VCU, said he expected the implementation of a mask-optional policy.

I know that the university wants to move toward, like a lot of institutions, a lot of organizations, want to move towards a maskfree environment.”

Anne Nicely, sophomore forensic science student

“Not surprised; I know that the university wants to move toward, like a lot of institutions, a lot of organizations, want to move towards a mask-free environment,” Plume said. “I’m going to stay masked up during the summer.”

Plume said he believes universities are making decisions on masking for in-person classes based on metrics other than public health.

“They’re being made based on the finances because residential colleges, universities make their money in the dorm and in the dining hall. At the bottom of it is the economic consideration,” Plume said.

Research from The Chronicle of Higher Education suggests that the education sector is experiencing the biggest financial loss ever faced. Institutions that were tracked averaged an estimated 14% aggregate decline in revenues in the fiscal years of 2020 and 2021, according to their website.

Plume said he wears masks in consideration of his students and for personal reasons.

“My mother’s immunocompromised. I live with her. She’s in a hospital bed in the front room,” Plume said. “You know, there’s all those situations going on, but here’s the bottom line; at some time, we have to move toward whatever is a ‘new normal’ that doesn’t include 100% masking.”

The CT seniors say farewell

Illustration by Sarah Brady

Masking will be optional for in-person and instructional activities for summer term classes. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

‘ADAM’S LAW’ SIGNED, UNIVERSITY TO REQUIRE HAZING PREVENTION TRAINING

KATRINA LEE News Editor

“ADAM’S LAW,” NAMED AFTER VCU FRESHMAN

Adam Oakes, who died from hazing, was one of the 700 bills Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed into law since taking office in January.

Oakes died at a Delta Chi fraternity event in February 2021. His cause of death was ruled as alcohol poisoning by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Adam’s Law will take effect on July 1 and will require universities to provide hazing prevention training and education training, according to the Virginia Legislation System. Virginia Sen. Jennifer Boysko worked with the Oakes family to create this legislation and sponsored it in the Virginia Senate.

“We [Oakes’s family] started talking about a year ago and they made it clear to me that it was their hope that

She came up with a bill draft,” Boysko said. “I then took it and made sure that it worked in the Virginia system, and so we worked with our legislative attorneys.”

Starting next semester for the 20222023 school year, the law will also require universities to “maintain and publicly report actual findings of violations of the institution’s code of conduct” or law violations pertaining to hazing that are reported.

Boysko said she and the Oakes’s family worked with many different stakeholders, including Virginia colleges, fraternity and sorority organizations, families who have lost loved ones because of hazing and others in order to “reduce harm” through this legislation.

Boysko said she doesn’t believe Senate Bill 440 is going to pass through the House and Senate soon, but she and the Oakes family will continue to work for it to become law.

“In getting a piece of legislation this comprehensive and really, very much changing policy, it’s not unusual to have to work on something for several years,” Boysko said.

HO Contributing Writer

Continued from front page

Anne Nicely is a second-year student majoring in forensic science. Nicely, who uses both she and they pronouns, said she is taking general chemistry and calculus with analytic geometry in-person this summer at VCU.

“I guess I saw it coming, honestly. But I don’t know. I’m happy that we’re moving towards new beginnings, but I’m skeptical because it is summer and a lot of people are probably going to be traveling before taking summer classes. I will continue to wear my mask in the class setting,” Nicely said.

Nicely said the threat of new COVID-19 strains makes them worried.

The law now requires universities to vide to each current member, new member and potential member of each student organization to complete hazing prevention training that includes extensive in-person education about the dangers of hazing, according to the Virginia Legislation System.

Boysko said Adam Oakes was not required to attend hazing prevention training because he was technically a prospective member. The law will also require advisors to the student organization to also receive training.

“It’s also really important that the advisors will have training as well, and that it’s going to be in person so that students understand and can ask questions and can work together to make sure that they are helping one another to identify where hazing is,” Boysko said. “This level of tragedy is rare, but it is preventable.”

“For students, nobody goes to college or sends their student to college, to have them be killed, to die in a preventable accident,” Boysko said. “We believe that knowledge is power, and making sure that students have the information that they need to have can help them.”

The Oakes family and Boysko worked together on a different piece of legislation called Senate Bill 440 or House Bill 993, which would make hazing a Class 5 felony if it results in death or serious bodily injury to any person. The Senate and the House have yet to come to an agreement about the bill, and has yet to pass through either, according to Boysko.

The Oakes family created an Instagram page called “lovelikeadam,” to memorize Adam Oakes. The family posted a picture of the final vote in the senate on Feb. 21, where 8 out of the 15 senators voted “nay” on the bill.

“HB993 was watered down to award immunity to the hazer. We aren’t done yet. Our family has fought hard to get where we are and make much needed change! On to conference!” the post stated.

‘Not surprised’: masking optional for summer classes

The COVID-19 strain, BA.2, is considered a variant of concern and should be monitored as a distinct sublineage of omi-

cron by public health authorities, according to the World Health Organization website.

“I think if it does get bad again, I think

Director of Fraternity and Sorority life at VCU Joe Wheeless stated VCU will be implementing the changes required by Adam’s Law starting the 2022-2023 academic year.

“We will be creating a training schedule, building curriculum, and implementing accountability measures this summer. The details will be released to chapters in August, before the start of the fall semester,” Wheeless stated.

Wheeless stated one of the biggest changes the law is requiring will be the training for students who want to join any student organization and all current members.

“Another big change is that this law applies to student organizations with new members which goes beyond the Fraternity & Sorority Life Office and could include service and academic organizations,” Wheeless stated.

Wheeless also stated Adam’s Law will benefit a large population of students by providing the knowledge on what hazing is, how to report it and provide strategies to intervene.

“The more people know about it, the more we are able to effect positive change in the community,” Wheeless stated.

they should definitely require it once again. But I know Richmond’s positive population rate is below 10% right now, I believe. So I think as long as it stays fairly low then I think they should keep it optional,” Nicely said.

The Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard states that by April 19, there were 12.4 cases per 100,000 population on a seven day average in the Richmond district. On January 26, there were 157 cases per 100,000 population on a seven day average.

Nicely said if VCU decides to keep the optional-masking policy in place by the fall, it should be based on the positivity rate.

“I mean, coming back from summer does make me worried that a spike will happen again. I think it just depends on that really,” Nicely said.

Stories of the week

national: Many airlines and travel companies have ended their mask mandates after a federal judge struck down the CDC’s travel mask mandate. international: Russia bombed cities across Ukraine on Monday, with at least four missile strikes reported in the western city of Lviv, killing at least seven people..

We believe that knowledge is power, and making sure that students have the information that they need to have can help them.”

Jennifer Boysko Virginia senator

State Sen. Jennifer McClellan's bill to remove the requirement for indigent Virginians to pay appeals in order to have their eviction cases heard passed through the Virginia House and Senate. Photo by Isaiah Mamo

Adam Oakes. Photo courtesy of the Oakes Family

DIANA

SUMMER CLASSES

Students taking FASH 442 study at the James Branch Cabell Library on April 19.

Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

University works with student organization to support students during Ramadan

VARSHA VASUDEVAN Staff Writer

The VCU Muslim Student Association is conducting three initiatives for Muslim students at VCU to celebrate Ramadan including Taraweeh prayers, Maghrib prayers and Iftar meals, according to MSA leader and senior computer science major Shan Amir.

This year, MSA teamed up with the Islamic Center of Virginia to raise funds to provide food for students, according to Amir. MSA also has an agreement and partnership with VCU to work with Za’atar, a restaurant established at VCU, to arrange food for students that struggle with food insecurity.

“Students can sign up to get free meals during the weekdays, and they can just go to Za’atar and let them know that they’re with MSA and they’ll check their name in the list of students that are approved for getting their meals,” Amir said. “Their meal is covered for through the student catering fund that VCU has.”

The main purpose of MSA is to have a safe space and community for Muslim students as there isn’t a large Muslim population in the U.S. and at VCU, according to Amir.

“Especially when they’re [Muslim students] away from home and family, then it’s more difficult,” Amir said. “It helps having a second family to come to.”

MSA holds Friday prayers every week and aims to host at least two events per week, according to Amir. MSA also conducts social and educational events for sisters and brothers of the organization, fundraising and community engagement events and volunteer opportunities, Amir said.

Amir said MSA orders its own food during Ramadan using donations from community members and organizations, along with their own bank account that is not tied to VCU.

“We just ask the members what they want to eat, where they want to eat, what type of cuisine they want to get,” Amir said. “We try to vary it based off of different halal restaurants that are nearby.”

On weekends, when Za’atar is closed, meals are prepackaged to be picked up on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at the POD Market in the VCU Student Commons, according to Amir.

VCU works with Aramark to distribute food. The university resident district manager Pam Neff stated she was not aware of MSA having a previous partnership with a VCU restaurant like it does with Za’atar this year.

“The process was wonderful,” Neff stated. “Shan Amir and others from the MSA were always available to work through their needs in advance.”

Za’atar continues to be open to all VCU students and guests throughout Ramadan, according to Neff.

MSA leader Shan Amir said there are two parts of

the MSA board that are involved in planning events. One oversees the entire organization and the other plans events, according to Amir.

Amir said along with socials throughout the year, MSA organizes “larger scale events” like fundraisers to donate to charity. MSA also partners with local mosques or other humanitarian organizations to serve the community, according to Amir.

“One thing we started this year was feeding the homeless throughout Richmond,” Amir said. “We’d go to a food pantry, get some food there, make some sandwiches and stuff like that and we’d go around Richmond handing them out to people.”

Amir said MSA is trying to work with VCU to make things “better” by addressing more needs for Muslim students.

“That way, it takes some of the responsibility off of MSA to do everything,” Amir said. “And it helps VCU make itself a more inclusive space for Muslim students.”

Biology freshman Shaheer Alam is a member of MSA and has attended most of those events for Ramadan. He said MSA puts on a lot of activities throughout the year including having outside speakers and playing games.

“There’s like a whole bunch of different events, either just talking about Islam, what it is, how we can grow, that kind of stuff, or you know, just trying to be community and get together,” Alam said.

Alam said he recommends anyone joining MSA because it is a “very welcoming” organization.

“You don’t even have to be Muslim to join. If you’re just interested in Islam and want to learn more, then I would 100% join,” Alam said.

There’s like a whole bunch of different events, either just talking about Islam, what it is, how we can grow, that kind of stuff, or you know, just trying to be community and get together.”

Shaheer Alam, freshman biology student

VCU’s Muslim Student Association is conducting initiatives for Ramadan including Maghrib Prayer. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

Students from VCU's Muslim Student Association eat food together. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

Stat of the week

Richmond native, VCU students host Jackie Robinson Day celebration

KAITLYN FULMORE Photo Editor

The crack of a ball hitting a bat led to an onslaught of cheers, yells and claps from parents on both bleachers and lawn chairs.

The hitter got to second base where Carl Smith, founder of the nonprofit Slyderz Baseball, gave them a high-five and words of encouragement. Slyderz Baseball encourages youth in the Richmond community to play more baseball again, along with diversifying the predominantly white sport, according to Smith.

Robinson Day is on April 15 and celebrates Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, which refers to segregation in sports, in 1947.

“There was a lot of people out here showing support,” said parent Dashawn Bostic. “Everybody was turnt up when they was batting and catching. You make the kids feel like they really doing something when you got the energy.”

Bostic, a relative of Smith, said Smith is bringing the community together “ real well.”

“He’s a real standup guy,” Bostic said. “A lot of people respect him and look up to him. I feel like he’s the perfect guy for the job.”

I thought it would be a good opportunity to just bring people together. For the sake of baseball and celebrating him [Jackie Robinson] and some other people that broke the color barrier.”

“I just wanted them to get the basic fundamentals of it [baseball],” Smith said. “Baseball requires more mental focus. I call it a left-brain sport.”

The Jackie Robinson Day celebration was held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chamberlayne Little League field on April 16. Jackie

The celebration opened with a game between two Chamberlayne Little League teams, followed by an easter egg hunt. Smith then spoke to the parents, introducing and explaining Slyderz Baseball and gave recognition to Gaither and Rebecca Beard, North Richmond Little League coaches of 50 years.

Children played pick up baseball games the rest of the day while music from local DJ Reggie playing in the background.

“It went well,” Smith said. “The people that were there found out about Slyderz. A lot of people reached out to me, they appreciated the presentation.”

Smith partnered with Chamberlayne Little League to host Slyderz’s first annual Jackie Robinson Day, where children from all over the Richmond area came out to play baseball.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to just bring people together,” Smith said. “For the sake of baseball and celebrating him

Smith, a restaurant owner, founded Slyderz Baseball in 2018. The organization also plans on tutoring students after school, according to Smith. Smith emphasized the importance of education for all children.

“Schools don’t really have resources to teach different learning styles,” Smith said. “We were definitely trying to be a support system to the schools to try to help kids read better and increase their math skills.”

Slyderz was communicating with Trinity Family Life Center, a Richmond community center, about starting a tutoring program, according to Smith. However, COVID-19 put that progress to a halt.

life, as a part of a stabilization program.

While baseball includes physical prowess and technical skills, Morris also said baseball includes leadership skills, sportsmanship and character development.

“The intention is to bring that to the forefront with baseball skills,” Morris said. “This thing with them is an investment into having a more secure and positive future.”

Slyderz Baseball was chosen this spring semester by VCU’s CreateAthon course to be a nonprofit that would partner with teams of students.

Jessica Collins, the professor of the CreateAthon class, said many nonprofits reach out to partner with VCU.

“We want to help nonprofits that maybe can’t afford to have professional organizations helping them out,” Collins said.

Local nonprofits are chosen through an application process, which includes an interview. Slyderz Baseball was chosen due to Smith’s level of commitment and the overall mission of his nonprofit, Collins said.

Teammates Hailey Fitzgerald, Khristy Zheng and Blake Carlson worked throughout the semester on creating a plan for a Slyderz Baseball launch on Jackie Robinson Day. The plan was executed on March 25 during the 24-hour CreateAthon event, where volunteers joined the team to carry out the plan.

Smith said he is looking forward to next year’s Jackie Robinson Day celebration, and hopes for it to one day be a city-wide event.

“I feel like it’s gonna get bigger and bigger each year,” Smith said. “People are gonna be looking forward to it, and I’m just looking forward to finally getting Slyderz out to the people that want to participate.”

Stat of the week: VCU senior Makayla McGowan was named Atlantic 10 Field Performer of the Week, and freshman Guðrún Karítas Hallgrímsdóttir was named Rookie Performer of the Week for events held April 4-10, according to the A-10 website.

[Jackie Robinson] and some other people that broke the color barrier.”

Chad Morris, interim CEO for the Life Center, said Smith came to them with the idea of using baseball to teach about the transitions of

Slyderz Baseball founder Carl Smith greets players at the Jackie Robinson Day celebration on April 16.

Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

Carl Smith, founder of the nonprofit Slyderz Baseball

Kids gather at the pitcher mound before starting a pickup game at the Jackie Robinson Day celebration on April 16. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

VCU women’s lacrosse takes down St. Bonaventure CELEBRATES SENIORS

THAI WILSON Contributing Writer

The black and gold women’s lacrosse won 16-6 against the St. Bonaventure University Bonnies on Saturday afternoon at Cary Street Field.

The game was also VCU’s “Senior Day,” where the team celebrated the seniors for their achievements and final home appearance.

VCU head coach Nicole Flores said she was pleased with the team’s performance after it fell short in its previous game against Davidson on Thursday, April 14.

“We played a really tough battle on Thursday and didn’t quite get the result we wanted. Today, we got the result we wanted,” Flores said. “We had

great production from our senior class as well as a lot of others and just a lot of right things cooking at the right time.”

Before the game started, VCU announced the lineups and highlighted the seniors who were playing their final home game for the Rams.

St. Bonaventure followed up with a goal of its own to tie the game at 1-1 with seven minutes to spare in the first quarter.

To end the first quarter, VCU came back and scored two goals in the final minute of play as Juliana George and freshman attacker Mia George hit the back of the net.

VCU dominated the second quarter, scoring five goals to St. Bonaventure’s one. The Rams outshot St. Bonaventure 24-9 in the first half. VCU senior attacker Abby Osmeyer had two of the five goals to give VCU a six point lead. Osmeyer said she was happy to score many goals for the black and gold on her Senior Day.

“I wanted to go out with a bang for sure and just go out there and have fun,” Osmeyer said. “When I am having fun, that’s when the goals come.”

VCU senior midfielder Savannah Slack was honored as captain of the Rams. Her other teammates were announced for the starting lineup of the game, honoring their senior status. Slack said she had been looking forward to this game and was excited from performing well to cap off Senior Day.

“It was the best day ever. I couldn’t have asked for a better senior day,” Slack said. “It’s just great to have all the seniors on the field together at one time.”

The first quarter started off at a standstill for two minutes until VCU junior attacker Juliana George scored the first goal of the game for the Rams.

The third quarter started with another goal from Juliana George. The Bonnies answered right back, scoring uncontested goals by sophomore attacker Abby Hiltz and sophomore midfielder Maddie Mazur.

The Rams scored two unanswered goals by midfielder Slack and attacker Juliana George at the end of the third quarter. The goal by Juliana George marked her 31st goal on the season, according to VCU Athletics. Juliana George said she is happy to contribute to the team and do what she is meant to do.

“It’s exciting to know that I’m out here doing what my team wants me to do. I am doing my job,” George said.

The black and gold went into the fourth quarter with a 12-5 lead. VCU graduate defender Ali Zadeh opened up the fourth quarter with a goal for the Rams, adding another point to its lead.

St. Bonaventure junior midfielder Nora Anderson scored a goal right afterwards to cut the Rams’ lead to six.

VCU redshirt junior goalkeeper Meghna Dawar continued to shut down the net for the rest of the game, not allowing any more goals to enter the back of the net. Slack said the team’s confidence and familiarity was key for its defense to operate so fluidly against the Bonnies.

“Our communication and just everyone being on the same page and we all went in and just were excited to shut them down,” Slack said.

The black and gold went on to score three unanswered goals to end the game at a score of 16-6.

After the game, VCU congratulated the seniors by giving them plaques and announcing their academic and sports achievements to end off Senior Day.

VCU senior attacker Osmeyer said the moment was bittersweet, but she believes the program is in good hands for the future.

“I am so confident with the people that I am leaving here. I think that they are going to do incredible things for the program and I think that personally they’re all gonna go on to be great people,” Osmeyer said.

Coach Flores said she is grateful the team were able to win the Senior Day, and looks forward to the black and gold’s final game, which the team will have to win to advance to the A-10 tournament.

“Win, we got to win to make the tournament. So that’s our step is to win and execute our everyday plans,” Flores said.

The black and gold will face off against George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 23 at the George Washington-Mount Vernon Athletic Complex.

Sophomore Maggie Bornyek high-fives her team before playing St. Bonaventure on April 16 Photo by Alessandro Latour

I wanted to go out with a bang for sure and just go out there and have fun. When I am having fun, that’s when the goals come.”

Abby Osmeyer VCU senior attacker

Junior Bella Herrera faces off a St. Bonaventure opponent on April 16. Photo by Alessandro Latour

VCU baseball defeats rival Richmond IN WEEKEND SERIES

ARRICK WILSON Sports Editor

THE VCU RAMS BASEBALL TEAM PLAYED crosstown rival the University of Richmond Spiders, winning two of the threegame series.

The series marked the first matchup between both baseball programs since 2019, when games were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to VCU Athletics.

The black and gold started the series with a shutout loss, struggling to capitalize on offense. The Rams overcame its rough start, winning back-to-back games, with a combined 26 runs.

VCU sophomore Campbell Ellis said persevering through the initial setback was essential to have the strength to win the next games.

“That first loss was tough. Then losing the way we did that was kind of upsetting but, we didn’t lose any confidence,” Ellis said. “We had a lot of momentum and energy going into Sunday, to pick up that win and get the series win was huge for us.”

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

The Spiders grabbed the first game, defeating the Rams 7-0. Richmond graduate pitcher Brock Weirather threw a complete game shutout, not allowing the Rams to get any runs in the game.

VCU head coach Shawn Stiffler said the pitching from Weirather kept the Rams from scoring, while the Spiders capitalized on hits.

“Their pitcher threw really well tonight, you know. At the end of the day — you gotta look at both teams have seven hits, but they were able to score seven runs. He [Weirather] was able to keep us at bay,” Stiffler said.

The black and gold had five hits in the first three innings, but did not take advantage and left three runners on bases.

VCU Sophomore Campbell Ellis was the starting pitcher for the Rams, pitching a no-hitter through four innings. VCU continued its pattern of not letting its pitchers pitch more than four innings, as Ellis was relieved by freshman Chase Hungate in the fifth inning.

Stiffler said the switch between pitchers was not part of the loss, mentioning that he would continue to relieve his pitchers.

“That’s how we play. I’ll do that 100 out of 100 times, that has nothing to do with it,” Stiffler said.

The deadlock score of zero continued until the sixth inning. Richmond redshirt senior Dominic Toso hit a double to the left-center of the field, allowing redshirt sophomore Alden Mathes to score and give Richmond the first run of the game.

The Spiders did not stop there, as redshirt junior Johnny Hipsman hit a home run, scoring Toso and himself and adding two points. Richmond graduate student Andrew Papantonis hit a single, while sophomore Jared Sprague-Lott advanced to second base. Junior Will Gersky’s single sent Sprague-Lott and Papantonis in to score. The black and gold trailed, 5-0.

At the top of the seventh, the Rams offense only registered one hit, while Richmond’s Dominic Toso hit a home run to left field, making the score Richmond 6-0.

Richmond’s Weirather struck out all three VCU hitters at the top of the eighth, continuing his runless streak. After the switch, Sprague-Lott hit Richmond’s third home run of the day, making the final score 7-0. Stiffler said learning from mistakes was an important takeaway from the loss.

“The only positive is we are going to not change anything. We’re going to play how we play, we’re gonna coach them how we coach them, the best we can,” Stiffler said.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

The Rams came into Saturday’s game with a vengeance and claimed the second game of the series, with a score of 13-11.

VCU redshirt junior Michael Haydak started the game for the Rams, scoring a run after a hit from sophomore Connor Hujsak. The Spiders returned with its offensive set and scored two runs, leading VCU 2-1.

Both teams traded blows again in the second inning, scoring two runs each. The Rams took a lead with a home run by VCU redshirt junior Nic Ericsson. This lead did not last as Richmond graduate student Shane Gibson’s double hit allowed junior Will Gersky to score. Spiders redshirt sophomore Alden Mathes’s single hit allowed Gibson to run home, scoring for t he Spiders.

Entering the third inning, the Spiders led the Rams, 4-3. Richmond graduate student Andrew Papantonis scored a home run, extending the lead for the Spiders.

After a quiet fourth inning, things ramped up in the fifth inning with the Rams scoring six runs, while the Spiders scored four runs,

tying the score 9-9. The Rams then scored four more points over the next two innings.

The Rams put in redshirt junior Evan Chenier at the bottom of the fifth inning and achieved a career-high of six strikeouts, according to VCU Athletics.

At the start of the ninth inning, VCU led Richmond 13-9. The Spiders did not go away easily, as a left-side single by Mathes advanced Beal to second base and graduate student Shane Gipson to third base while scoring freshman Jimmy Starnes. The Spiders trailed 13-10.

A hit by Richmond’s Toso advanced two runners to bases while allowing Gipson to score, making the score 13-11. The game came down to one play with Richmond players now on the second and third base looking to score and VCU having two outs.

Richmond’s Hipsman was at-bat for the final play of the game. The redshirt junior hit a fly ball across the center field but was out by VCU freshman Jesse Robinson. Robinson was the hero, catching the ball in a diving effort to give the Rams its final out.

VCU sophomore Campbell Ellis said Robinson’s presence and playing ability influence him as a pitcher.

“He’s [Robinson] phenomenal out there. He’s a spark plug, and he gets us going with the energy and we feed off of it,” Ellis said. “Being a pitcher and seeing him out there in centerfield, it gives me confidence to be able to execute pitches, and know that he’s gonna go out there and catch a ball.”

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

VCU continued Saturday’s dominance and claimed the third game of the series, with a score of 13-2. VCU sophomore Tyler Davis, redshirt junior Jaden Griffin and redshirt sophomore Jack Masloff all performed well from the pitcher’s mound.

Richmond gained an early 2-1 lead after the first inning. Richmond redshirt senior Dominic Toso hit a triple scoring redshirt sophomore Alden Mathes. After that, Toso scored off graduate student Andrew Papantonis’s single. This lead did not last as VCU scored 12 straight runs, clearing Richmond off the board.

VCU head coach Shawn Stiffler said overcoming the first loss was based on the team finding its rhythm and recipe for success.

“We’re trying to figure out our formula. I thought we did a really good job of being ourselves,” Stiffler said. “On Sunday, we did a really good job preparing. We’re just finding out we need to keep things really simple.”

VCU’s next weekend series will be played against the Saint Joseph’s University Hawks starting Friday, April 22. The first pitch will be thrown at 6:30 p.m. at the Diamond in Richmond.

GAME RESULTS APRIL

GOLF - AT OLD DOMINION (SUFFOLK) WON 5-3

MEN’S BASEBALL - AT VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE WON 6-4

APRIL 14

MEN’S TENNISVS. OLD DOMINION WON 4-1

WOMEN’S LACROSSEVS. DAVIDSON LOST 15-14

WOMEN’S LACROSSEVS. ST. BONAVENTURE WON 16-6

MEN’S BASEBALLAT RICHMOND WON 13-9

MEN’S TENNIS - VS. EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY WON 4-0

MEN’S BASEBALLVS. RICHMOND WON 13-2

APRIL 19

MEN’S BASEBALLVS. NO. 6 VIRGINIA WON 9-7

LEFT: Richmond Spider Brock Weirather pitches against the VCU Rams on April 15.

RIGHT: Redshirt sophomore Tyler Locklear bats against University of Richmond on April 15. Photos by Arrick Wilson

On this day

having that sense of pride once you finish something because you know just how long it took you and how much effort went into it,” Wells said.

Wells said it is a team effort to come up with different events. Wells said the organization holds meetings where ideas are pitched, and then hosts events that it would want to see on campus.

Kimberly Guthrie, a fashion design and merchandising professor at VCU is also the founding and faculty advisor for Eco Fashion. She said she is concerned about the amount of waste fashion creates.

“Right now my current project is figuring out how we can integrate textile recapture and waste management,” Guthrie said.

Approximately 2.5 million tons of textile waste was recycled in 2018, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This waste includes all nondurable goods, such as clothing, furniture, carpets, tires and footwear.

Guthrie said students have transitioned from throwing scrap in trash bins outside of the classrooms to throwing them in recycling bins. The scraps are then taken by Goodwill Industries and are shredded. Guthrie said behavior modification for students was very easy and she thought it was “very cool.”

“It’s a little mini gold mine,” Guthrie said.

Student organization brings awareness to sustainability in fashion

WEDNESDAY SHIFLETT Contributing Writer

A VARIETY OF CLOTHING WITH A mixture of colors, patterns and different textures was set out on the tables at the Eco Fashion Style Swap event on Monday.

Room 419, located in the VCU Pollak Building, was packed, complete with a small cat welcoming people as they walked in. Discussions and laughter rang throughout the room as attendees wandered about the room, picking up and examining the clothing.

“I found out about this event through my friend, she sent me the link on Instagram,” nursing student Genesis Amaya said. “I had a lot of fun meeting people and looking at all the clothes people brought.”

When an attendee found a clothing item they liked, they would hold onto it or put it in a bag or box they had brought with them.

The “style swap” was hosted by Eco Fashion, a student organization aimed at educating students about how damaging the textile and fashion industry is to the environment, according to Eco Fashion president Arianna Jackson.

“Everyone knows that plastic is bad for the environment, but no one thinks about how there is plastic in clothes,” Jackson said.

Jackson said she joined the organization approximately three years ago. She said connecting with people via fashion and clothing is something she loves and that fashion is a way to boost her self confidence.

“I feel like my relationship with fashion is that it is an outlet for me and I use it as a way to make myself feel better,” Jackson said.

Jaeden Wells, the social media manager for Eco Fashion, said she grew up working on different projects with her grandmother.

“I love to make my own clothes. I like

She said when Eco Fashion started out, there were only about 10 people involved. Since then, the organization has grown to around 400 members, and the organization will be celebrating its ten year anniversary this year.

“I’m so proud of the leadership, and I want to applaud the organization for being so community based,” Guthrie said.

Alyssia Farkouh, Eco Fashion vice president and fashion merchandising student, said she grew up around fashion and was drawn to it from a young age. She said she views fashion as her “armor and protection.”

Farkouh said sustainability and fashion isn’t as talked about in Richmond as it is in other places, and Eco Fashion wants to bring more awareness to the issue.

“You don’t want to talk about it. You don’t want to see it,” Farkouh said.

Eco Fashion’s goal is also to educate the students at VCU about sustainability in fashion and teach students ways to make their clothes last longer, Jackson said.

“We want people to feel good about helping the environment,” Jackson said.

The United States Supreme Court declared desegregation busing for schools constitutional in 1971.

I’m so proud of the leadership, and I want to applaud the organization for being so community based.”

Kimberly Guthrie, VCUarts professor, Eco Fashion founder and faculty advisor

Left: Eco Fashion president Arianna Jackson talks about upcoming events for the club. Right: Clothes lay on different tables ready to swap at Eco Fashion’s Style Swap event.

Photos by Kaitlyn Fulmore

Junior Yara Mohamed lays out her clothes before the style swap begins. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

Quote of the week

“For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate.”

— Margaret Heffernan

We enjoy online debates because it floods our blood with prickly adrenaline that makes our skin hot. We enjoy online debates for the risk and the reward of social capital. This is evident when online influencers and celebrities clapback at politicians with a smug retort. People adore them for getting dirty by throwing a few verbal punches. People hate them for stepping out of their place and causing a scene. Either way, that celebrity’s tweet will garner more attention, and all publicity is good publicity.

Effective discourse can only be achieved offline

ADELAIDE VERDUGO-THOMSON Contributing Writer

Those of us who are active on Twitter can bitterly remember the times we accidentally got ourselves into an online argument.

We can also fondly remember the times we watched a Twitter argument between popular figures go down. It’s more enjoyable to scoff at the silly retorts of strangers you don’t know or care to know when you’re not the one fighting in the ring. It’s like a reality TV show, without the flashy lights or forgettable intros.

The all-encompassing nature of the digital world makes it difficult to peel away from. According to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, young adults have a screen time of almost nine hours per day.

With so much time being spent online, we begin to build up social bonds with other users by talking to one another with unique slang and sharing common interests.

When you have your digital in-group, a group of individuals with shared beliefs, you’ll also have an opposing out-group, anybody who is not a part of your clique. Perhaps this out-group has the opposite of your in-group’s beliefs. In fact, you may often bump heads with them, quote tweeting their tweets or leaving an angry reply. They might even respond. Maybe you hope they respond, so you can eloquently tear them to shreds. Finally, you get an online argument, or debate — whatever works for optics.

The American Debate League defines debates as “an organized argument” where two groups challenge each other’s beliefs, typically to convince the opposing side. In the digital age, however, the focus is no longer on convincing or mediating, but rather on gaining social status. It becomes a spectator sport of frustration and intentional hurt. Some users don’t mind throwing threats out or personal attacks. If your opponent is a profile picture of a dog and they live thousands of miles from you, what does it matter to be civil?

While people have been taught to debate in a stern and stoic manner, the internet doesn’t care much for this. It’s simply uninteresting. The audience enjoys seeing blood be spilled because it’s entertaining.

On April 10, Emma Watson was trending on Twitter for her comments during an interview that defended trans women’s rights to use women’s bathrooms.

“Are we talking about the same Emma Watson who brought an undercover bodyguard to her college graduation? In what imaginary world does an aristocrat like her use a public restroom?” one Twitter user tweeted.

“Hey @EmmaWatson, are you going to defend the woman who made you rich and famous against the doxxing and death threats? Or are you going to stay quiet in order to protect your “brand”? Just how much of a coward are you?” another user tweeted. What was once a heated attack on trans women’s rights became attacks on Emma Watson, rather than her argument. More tweets began to flood in, degrading her intelligence, arguing that her support is to further her career and outright insulting her. Twitter prioritizes short responses, only 280 characters. The platform itself acts as a brilliant formula to create explosive dialogue. Nuance is almost impossible to capture in such tight conditions and people give up trying. There’s no point in trying to

argue against a concept in multiple tweets when you could make a mockery of the person instead.

The focus on debate has shifted from the art of convincing to the art of insult. There is less risk than before when it comes to insults because people are anonymous. It’s a lot harder to be rude when you see your opponent furrow their brows and crinkle their nose right in front of you.

We must critically reflect on why we want to participate in fleeting online debates and arguments. What good does it bring us? Twitter users have often joked about the purposeful misunderstanding of tweets in hopes to start an argument. Positive change rarely comes from online debates because there are no incentives to truly listen. In fact, you can just mute the tweet and never see it again.

Real debates take time and energy. They are face-to-face. You can hear the emotion and passion coming deep from within the debaters’ gut. You can feel when they are arguing from humility rather than a grab to raise their social status. Perhaps that’s why Twitter debates are so explosive. It’s hard to tell the good-faith actors from the actors.

Debates allow us to strengthen our ability to express our opinions while also acknowledging times when we may be wrong. If you don’t learn to critically defend your belief, you may lose sight of why you really believe in it.

For a debate to work, all parties must be willing to facilitate healthy communication: listening, waiting for your turn and keeping a polite tone. Healthy communication is nearly impossible to create in an online realm because you aren’t able to read body language or hear one’s tone. It is important for us to take a step towards establishing and protecting spaces for debate in offline spaces.

Nick’s Picks: Kuba Kuba captures the authentic Cuban experience

NICHOLAS BARAHONA Contributing Writer

Join me this week on our journey through Richmond where I review and showcase the different cuisines and restaurants around campus from the perspective of a VCU student.

Our next stop is Kuba Kuba, a Cuban restaurant offering a menu with dishes consisting of Cuban staples like rice, meats, veggies, fish, beans and sandwiches. You can find breakfast here as well, as it is served all day, everyday.

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A 15-minute walk from Monroe Park, this Caribbean restaurant sits on the corner of Park Avenue next to Lombardy Park Playground.

Walking to the restaurant, you will find seating available outside with a vibrant blue mural along the restaurant walls depicting the people and streets of Cuba. Once the sun sets, the glow of the Kuba Kuba sign illuminates the street corner.

Taking a look inside, the space was larger than what I was expecting from how it looks outside. They have tables, booths and counters where you can enjoy your meal. Based on my dining experience, I can confidently say the space at Kuba Kuba is just

big enough to accomodate the daily crowds that come in. Additionally, outside seating is an option and perfect for days with warm weather.

I enjoyed seeing that as you walk into the restaurant, you immediately get a whiff of the aroma that fills the air. As I continued to my seat, I noticed there were many pictures and paintings across the walls of people with an unknown identity. Though a mystery, these portraits give this restaurant character.

Taking a look at the food, Kuba Kuba offers specials outside of the traditional menu; these can be found on chalkboards on the wall above the kitchen and bar area. The chalkboards don’t only showcase specials, but also desserts, merchandise and packaged “goodies” you can buy at the restaurant, such as their house-made hot sauce.

For a starter, I went ahead and ordered the $5 empanadillas — crescent-shaped pastries stuffed with whatever you choose — that came in a set of two: one with beef and one with spinach and ricotta. The empanadillas were served stacked against each other and drizzled with sour cream and a leafy garnish, which gives the plating a satisfying finish.

The spinach and ricotta empanadilla was delightful and my favorite of the two — it’s hard to go wrong with a bread and cheese mixture. The beef empanadilla gets a pass from me, as it tasted too plain compared to its flavorful partner.

For the main dish, I ordered Ropa Vieja, one of my favorite Cuban dishes that contains shredded beef, yellow rice, veggies, fried plantains and toasted bread on the side. This $16 plate is a bit pricey, though I assure you that you will leave the restaurant with a to-go box and food for later, as the portion is sizable.

The shredded beef topped on the rice was nice and juicy, driving home its flavor throughout the entire dish. The fried plantains were excellent, but I wish it was served with more than just two small pieces, as it left me wanting more. The rice is used as the base for the other flavors to seep into, so I wasn’t surprised that it in itself was mediocre. I also find that a challenge with large portions is that inconsistencies in each bite can occur, which played out here.

One thing that cannot be left out of this review is the quality of service that I received at Kuba Kuba. From the very beginning to the end, you are in a lively and outgoing environment. Though the food didn’t knock my socks off, this is the kind of spot where you feel good having a meal.

Kuba Kuba earns itself a solid four star rating from me. It was a restaurant I would gladly try again, but that I am not dying to go back to. Considering that the price for a starter and main meal comes out to $25, it may not be the most cost-effective place for college students, but the large portions, ambiance and cultural feel just might make it worth the trip.

With only a few Cuban food options available in Richmond, where Kuba Kuba shines is presenting an authentic cultural experience to its patrons, imbued through the artwork, food and ambiance. Take a step into Kuba Kuba, and you’ll leave with the spirit of Cuba in your soul.

For more things food, feel free to check out @nxreview on Instagram or TikTok for many more recommendations and reviews around town.

Stay easy Ram family and as always, eat up.

Welcome to Nick’s Picks.

Illustration by Sarah Brady

Illustration by Olivia McCabe

The CT seniors say farewell

Managing Editor Grace McOmber says farewell

GRACE MCOMBER Managing Editor

I APPLIED TO THE COMMONWEALTH TIMES out of desperation for something new. The combination of a quarantined summer, a strenuous remote internship and an uncertain remainder of a college career had culminated in my late night application in August 2020.

I had a single goal in mind back then: “staff writer.” I coveted that title, a clear goal to set for myself during a blur of a semester. For the rest of my junior year, each article I wrote was one step closer to replacing “Contributing” with “Staff.”

I never became a staff writer.

Instead, I received something so much more precious. Writing for The CT started as an outlet for me to both explore

an existing passion and, frankly, talk to someone outside of my two roommates.

That hesitation I felt, trying something new so “late” in my college career, dwindled with each byline, replaced by something I hadn’t experienced until I was hired as audience editor and then managing editor: belonging.

I broke out of my shell, one that was hardened not only by the pandemic but by years of hesitation toward change. I was a political science major who was good at writing. Now, I’m a writer.

In a time of isolation and stress, coming to the SMC and working with some of the most amazing and passionate people every single week has been a privilege I will never forget. I am eternally grateful to The CT for paving a path I am excited to follow.

Design Editor Gabi Wood says farewell

GABI WOOD Design Editor

WHEN I STARTED AS A DESIGNER FOR THE CT in Fall of 2020, I had no idea what I would be getting into. I wasn’t really sure what the job entailed other than laying out words and images on a page, but it ended up being so much more than that. My first couple of months as a designer, I really wasn’t sure if my skill was up to par to do these layouts and infographics weekly. There were many frustrating and late nights, but I learned so much from them.

Thanks to Andy Caress, the former Design Editor, I was pushed to perfect my skill and learned so much useful knowledge that has gotten me to where I am today. I got better and better every week and I owe most of the knowledge I gained during my first year to him.

Now, I am writing this as Design Editor and am so confident in my abilities. Working here and leading a team

of amazingly talented designers has been so fulfilling and I am constantly inspired by their work. To Jayce, Bailey, Madison and Clare, I want to thank you for your patience and incredibly hard work. The paper always looks amazing and I am so happy we had such a strong team this year. Even through all of the tiring frustration, I am proud that we always produce such high quality issues. I’m going to miss all of our good times in the design den.

To the editorial staff, I want to thank you for trusting the designers and I to put a vision to your stories. I had such a blast working with you all and am thankful for the patience you all had. It has been inspiring to work with such passionate journalists and I wish you all the best.

Lastly, thank you to everyone else who works and contributes to The CT and Student Media Center. I gained so much from working here and I will keep these skills, memories and friendships with me for years to come.

Illustrations Editor Sarah Brady says farewell

SARAH BRADY Illustrations Editor

EVEN THOUGH I WAS A PART OF THE CT staff for just a short time, it was a wonderful learning experience that was worth every minute. It has been an honor to lead and work alongside the incredibly skilled illustrators and comic artists to help bring

color to the pages of The Commonwealth Times. Working alongside everyone at The CT has been a pleasure and I’m extremely proud of the volumes we produced together. Thank you to everyone on the CT and SMC staff for giving me the opportunity to help create something so intrinsic to VCU.

JAYCE NGUYEN Graphic Designer

IN MARCH OF 2020, I JOINED THE COMmonwealth Times. In that same month, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and completely uprooted life as we knew it.

Everything went virtual. There was no paper to help design. I didn’t even get the chance to create my first layout until later that fall. A part of me felt a bit of envy for past designers as I was isolated behind a screen at home.

Despite these circumstances, the entire team at The CT has accomplished so much in the past two years. While reporting and learning from the community we were able to build our own community as well. We continued to build friendships and learned valuable skills from each other, even when the production

room was replaced by phone calls and Zoom meetings.

I learned a great deal in my relatively short time here and want to give a huge thank you to the design team – past and present – for all you’ve taught me. To Gabi, Bailey, Clare and Madison, for always creating great visuals and being a super fun group to work with every week. To Andy, for teaching me more about type than my classes ever will. To Rey and Jeffrey, for introducing me to The CT in the first place and making me feel welcome back in March 2020.

To all the editors, illustrators, photographers, and writers, I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to share space and time with such amazing talent. I know that The CT is in capable hands.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Graphic Designer Bailey Wood says farewell

BAILEY WOOD Graphic Designer

Being a communication arts student as well as a designer, I was so excited to have the chance to merge both of my artistic passions. I appreciate everyone on the CT staff so much for their hard work, and I’ll miss spending late Tuesday nights with y’all in the production room.

I’M SO THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY of working as a graphic designer at the CT this past year, as well as contributing many editorial illustrations to the paper.

Illustration by Sarah Brady

Graphic Designer Jayce Nguyen says farewell

EXECUTIVE

COPY

SPORTS EDITOR Arrick Wilson sports@commonwealthtimes.org

SPECTRUM EDITOR Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves spectrum@commonwealthtimes.org

OPINIONS EDITOR Ishaan Nandwani opinions@commonwealthtimes.org

PHOTO EDITOR Kaitlyn Fulmore photography@commonwealthtimes.org

AUDIENCE EDITOR Anna Chen chena@commonwealthtimes.org

ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR Sarah Brady illustrations@commonwealthtimes.org

STAFF WRITERS

Varsha Vasudevan, News Monica Alarcon-Najarro, Opinions

Season

Finals

by Rena Bridge

Untitled by Shannon Fritz

By Jeffrey Wechsler

By Jeffrey Wechsler ACROSS

Angeles 2

1 3 4 By The Mepham Group Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk YOUR AD HERE YOUR AD HERE

DIFFICULTY LEVEL Contact Dominique Lee @ leeds3@vcu.edu Contact Dominique Lee @ leeds3@vcu.edu

Los

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis