The Commonwealth Times; Sept. 11, 2019 by VCU Student Media Center

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VOL. 61, NO. 4 SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

Photo illustration by Andy Caress. CT file photo

VCU president’s ghostwritten article raises ethical questions from professor, students HANNAH EASON News Editor KATIE HOLLOWELL Contributing Writer

ome students don’t see

“anything shady,” and others feel as if VCU President Michael Rao “lied to our faces,” after it was reported that a consultant in the Navy Hill project ghostwrote Rao’s op-ed about the redevelopment. A public relations consultant for NH District Corp., Jeff Kelley, helped draft the oped based on an interview with Rao, according to emails sent by university spokesperson Pamela Lepley. The Richmond Times-Dispatch details emails between Kelley and university relations staff that illustrate the collaboration between the two parties. “It is normal for public relations professionals to collaborate on projects of mutual interest,” Lepley said in a news release. “When VCU was interested in submitting an op-ed on the proposal, Jeff Kelley offered a draft for us to work from based on an interview he had conducted with President Rao.” Journalism professor Bill Oglesby said that while ghostwriting is common practice in the public relations industry, Dominion Energy’s gain in the project “brings up the ethical question.” Dominion Energy CEO Tom Farrell is also the head of NH District Corp. “If you think about it, we all understand that public officials have speech writers,” Oglesby said. “The unusual part here is perhaps that it

was vetted and to some extent … [and] was approved by Dominion, the ones who are actually attempting to gain financially by this project.” Oglesby said the “stamp of approval” from Dominion Energy’s leadership on the op-ed changes the public’s view on the project. “When you have [Dominion] in effect vetting and putting their stamp of approval on an op-ed piece from the president of VCU, before it even goes out in the newspaper,” Oglesby said, “that creates an appearance in the public mind that the fix is in on the project.” Student opinions on the fact that the oped was written by the project’s developer vary. Freshman Rebecca Pegram said the editing process of the op-ed didn’t seem “shady.” “The fact that it looks like they’re pretty open about a lot of people going over the op-ed before Rao put his name on it, supports that he didn’t just sign his name,” Pegram said. “His words, someone else wrote them because they had an interview, I think it was really professional. It doesn’t look like there’s anything shady.” Activate Virginia, a progressive organization, published emails between Lepley and Daniel Woodward, a member of the university relations staff, that reference Kelley’s role in drafting the op-ed. Virginia Public Media reports that Jeff Thomas, an author and opponent of the Navy Hill plan, obtained the records via a Freedom of Information Act request. Lepley sent the drafted op-ed in an email to Woodward and Teresa Dulaney-Dewald in early December. Lepley said in a second email that Kelley helped draft the post.

“By the way, Jeff Kelley helped draft this based on an interview he did with the president earlier -- so hopefully he has captured Mike’s content and voice pretty well,” Lepley wrote.

NH District Corp.’s plan to redevelop the downtown area includes a new arena replacing the Richmond Coliseum, a hotel and affordable housing. The plan still needs approval from City Council, which has an advisory commission devoted to the project. Former Gov. Douglas Wilder, now a professor at VCU, has challenged the Navy Hill proposal on his personal blog, writing that Stoney’s stipulation that $300 million When you have be set aside in contracts for minority-owned businesses is unconstitutional. [Dominion] in effect “Stoney admitted I was correct. I told vetting and putting their him further that a Richmond case, ‘Richstamp of approval on an mond v. J. A. Croson Co.’ decided by the US Supreme Court called such ‘set asides’ as op-ed piece from the illegal and unconstitutional,” Wilder said in president of VCU, before a blog post. “Why has he not publicly stated it even goes out in the this? Shouldn’t the people be entitled to the FACTS and the TRUTH? Or is this too newspaper, that creates much to ask of our leaders?” an appearance in the Some students expressed that the revepublic mind that the fix is lations about the op-ed caused them to lose trust in their university president. in on the project.” “It makes him sound like an untrustBill Oglesby, journalism professor worthy person,” said sophomore Sydney Hicks. “And it makes it seem like … someThe messages include multiple drafts of body else could have ghostwritten for him the op-ed, which were published on Jan. on something else on another project.” 6.“I accepted the offer and the draft was Criminal justice major Brianna Chatvetted and edited by my communications man echoed similar sentiments — she said team and reviewed by the president to make Rao signing off on a published piece he did sure it accurately reflected his words and not write was dishonest. position,” Lepley said in a news release. “I feel like we lose trust in our president,” The Navy Hill Redevelopment plan, the sophomore said. “Because if he knowwhich Mayor Levar Stoney introduced al- ingly signed off on this and lied to our faces, most two years ago, is projected to cost $1.5 then how can we sign off on this?” billion and redevelop 10 blocks of downtown.

Latest health inspection for Shafer unavailable due to database change Photo by Jon Mirador

See SHAFER on page 2

2 The Commonwealth Times

Stories of the week

national: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Monday limiting medical exemptions for vaccines. international: 70,000 people, or 17% of all Bahamians, are homeless after Hurricane Dorian hit the area with 185-mph winds.

SHAFER

Shafer’s health inspection not publicly available after database change Shafer Dining Court was last inspected by the health department June 28, according to documents obtained by The Commonwealth Times. Photo by Jon Mirador HANNAH EASON News Editor ANYA SCZERZENIE Contributing Writer The Shafer Court Dining Center location Market 810, known to students as Shafer, was last inspected by the Virginia Department of Health in June, but records have not been made available to the public after a change in the health department’s online database. The Virginia Department of Health began a migration to a new database, Environmental Health Database, on June 20. Many Environmental Health services — such as the printing of approval letters and permits, onsite sewage system operation, maintenance reports and restaurant inspections — have not been made available online since then. “This process is taking longer than expected and during this migration period, some Environmental Health services that rely on the use of the database continue to be interrupted,” the website states. The most recent inspection obtained by The Commonwealth Times via a Freedom of Information Act request shows the dining hall was last inspected on June 25 with a follow-up on June 28. The June 25 inspection found two violations for food contamination risks and temperature control for food storage. During this inspection, Bento Sushi, which was the source of most violations from a previous inspection in October, Stir Crazy and the grill station were not in operation due to summer break. “Observed raw chicken over raw potatoes and raw broccoli … in the fan fare area,” the report stated, citing that the violation was corrected during the inspection. The second violation was found in the deli area, which was holding improperly cheese, cut cantaloupe and cut lettuce. During the inspection, the food was relocated. The follow-up inspection confirmed the temperature had been corrected. In 2018, Shafer had significantly more

health code violations than the MCV dining hall, Jonah’s at Larrick Student Center. In the three health inspections at Jonah’s in 2018, two violations were found, and both were priority violations. Shafer had four health inspections last year, one being a follow-up. Nineteen violations were found, 10 of which were priority violations. In past years, health inspections at Shafer occured between two and four times a year, generally during spring and fall semesters. Legally, there must be at least one inspection annually. The buffet-style dining hall has multiple food stations, including a salad and sandwich bar, pizza, burgers, sushi and other daily entrees. The most recent inspection posted on the online database for ShakeSmart, a restaurant on the first floor of Shafer Dining Court, took place in June, when the database was last updated. According to the site, Einstein Bros Bagels in Shafer Court had its most recent inspection last September, although no violations were found during that inspection. The Virginia Health Department database’s most recently posted health inspection of Shafer occurred Oct. 26, and followed up on eight violations found on Oct. 16. Shafer’s eight violations found Oct. 16 included four for the Bento Sushi station and two for improper food temperatures. Another was for hand-drying station requirements, and one was for uncovered or unwrapped food. “I guess [Shafer] is really targeted towards freshmen. As you get to see what it

Health code violations in 2018

has, you don’t want to eat there,” said junior Stephanie Manu. “Can a person really have a healthy diet eating what they serve?”

I guess [Shafer] is really targeted towards freshmen. As you get to see what it has, you don’t want to eat there. Can a person really have a healthy diet eating what they serve?” Stephanie Manu, VCU student Four of the violations from mid-October were considered “priority” violations and were corrected during the inspection. Two of those violations regarded food being held at an improper temperature. The soup wasn’t hot enough, and cold-served tofu and quinoa weren’t served cold enough to stop the growth of harmful bacteria. Another violation from the same inspection assessed employee health at Bento Sushi. Prior to the inspection, employees at Bento Sushi had not been made aware of the procedures for reporting information about their health. This counted as another violation corrected during the inspection.

Jonah’s

The report states permit holders “must inform employees and conditional employees to report to the person in charge” if they are suspected of being exposed to diseases including typhoid, salmonella and norovirus. There was a separate violation for the person in charge of Bento Sushi, who must inform employees and conditional employees of their responsibility to report illnesses, “as they relate to diseases transmissible through food.” Bento Sushi received a violation for using acidified rice, which requires a variance — or special permission — from the health department. “Food processes that require a variance have historically resulted in more foodborne illness than standard process,” the website states. “The variance requirement is designed to ensure that the proposed method of operation is carried out safely.” Prior to correction, the made-to-order sushi did not provide a consumer advisory for tuna and salmon served raw or undercooked. Some students said they already had a negative opinion of Shafer because they say it lacks vegetarian and vegan options. “I’m worried,” freshman Syd Lewin said. “I’m not a huge fan of Shafer already because it lacks a lot of dietary options, but in terms of fruits and vegetables I’m worried to know what we’re getting.” VCU spokesperson Mike Porter did not respond to a request for comment.

Shafer

Health inspections Follow-up inspections Priority Violations Total Violations Infographic by Andy Caress Information compiled by Hannah Eason

Wed. September 11, 2019 3

Students de-stress at new Resilience Lab EDUARDO ACEVEDO Contributing Writer The Wellness Resource Center now has a Resilience Lab, which provides students a way to learn and practice mindfulness techniques. The lab, introduced this semester, uses biofeedback to read heart rates and measure stress index while the patient practices mindfulness techniques. The data can then recommend techniques such as guided imagery, a form of focused relaxation that can relax stress. Available activities include guided meditation and mindfulness techniques designed to reduce anxiety, improve sleep and manage stress. Mia Liadis, a wellness health educator at The Well, said the biofeedback is run A wellness health educator demonstrates the biofeedback device to a student. Photo by Tzeggai Isaac through a program called HeartMath, which “record[s] your heart rate “It’s interesting to have the actual, physical variance to see how it is connected to your evidence of a heart monitor to go along with thoughts, physiological and stress responses.” stress research,” senior Logan Carmone said. “The concept of mindfulness is to acThe biofeedback is received through a The concept of knowledge what is happening in your small clip attached to the patient’s earlobe mindfulness is to head without getting carried away by your while they perform a deep breathing exerthoughts,” Liadis said. cise. As the device reads the wearer’s heart acknowledge what is This technique provides space between rate, it establishes a baseline stress reading. happening in your head emotional responses and “the decision we “Just sitting here and being able to play without getting carried make from that response.” She relates the around with [the biofeedback device] was concept of mindfulness to an instance of pretty helpful,” said junior Nicole Conaway by your thoughts,” road rage. Mindfulness would be the “space” cepión, who learned breathing techniques Liadis said. between being cut off in traffic, and the to help with stress. As a peer health edaction one takes to cope with being cut off. ucator, she promotes wellness topics such Mia Liadis, wellness health educator

as healthy relationships and physical health. “There are a lot of great resources on campus, and I think The Well has been doing a great job in trying to teach [people] how to be less stressed,” Concepción said. Students can use the biofeedback technology during a drop-in self-guided session, or a one-on-one session, which are by appointment only. On Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m., the Resilience Lab offers 20-minute group meditation sessions. Liadis leads the sessions, and the techniques change every week. “If you come one week and you’re like, ‘This wasn’t really my jam,’ try to come next week and see if you like it better,” Liadis said, “because we are constantly experimenting with different types of mindfulness techniques.” The Well holds a Resilience Workshop — an hour and a half of focusing on coping skills — every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. It’s the newest session to join the Resilience Lab, in which students can learn skills like goal setting, wellness planning and other tips to cope with stress. “Our goal is to help [students] have a positive coherence rating,” Liadis said, “which means you are aligned positively with your heart, mind and emotions.”

New interim VCUarts dean ready to ‘embrace’ role

HANNAH EASON News Editor

tion came after the resolution of a lawsuit filed against Brixey and other VCU officials by painting and printmaking professor Javi‌ancy Scott started her career at er Tapia, who was accused of racial profiling. VCU more than 25 years ago, and Brixey told the Richmond Times-Dispatch after playing a key role in the de- in an email that speculation his resignation velopment of VCUarts Qatar and hold- was connected to the lawsuit was “baseless ing several administrative positions in the and has nothing to do with the decision.” School of the Arts, she has been appointed Scott served as the associate dean for interim dean. academic administration from 2001 until “This is an exciting time to be at VCU July, when she was promoted to executive and to be the interim dean of this great associate dean for the school. art school,” Scott said in an “I’ve been fortunate to email. “The students are crework for some visionary ative and engaged, and the deans that coached, enfaculty are leading global couraged and challenged creative practice and pasme to take risks, make sionate about teaching.” mistakes and learn how to Provost Gail Hackett adapt, improvise and do made the announcement in things right,” Scott said. an email to art students and “As an associate dean, I’ve faculty on Sept. 3. Scott will had oversight of many of serve as interim dean and the school’s key functional special assistant to the proareas from recruitment and vost for the School of the admissions to finance, huArts in Qatar. man resources, and IT.” “I appreciate all of the adScott’s role at VCU beNancy Scott. Photo courtesy of vice I received and although gan in 1993 as an assistant Steven Casanova and VCUarts there were a number of professor in the fashion destrong candidates,” Hackett sign and merchandising dewrote to students and faculty, “you made it partment. Hackett said she “quickly” moved clear that Scott, a trusted and skilled lead- into leadership roles, including assistant er, was the right choice to guide the school department chair and assistant dean for forward as we navigate the search for a per- academic affairs for the School of the Arts. manent dean.” “Definitely spending five years in an Scott was appointed acting dean in Au- academic department where I taught and gust after former dean of the School of the advised students prepared me for a role on Arts Shawn Brixey resigned. His resigna- the leadership team,” Scott said.

Scott contributed to the development of VCU’s Doha, Qatar, campus, and previously served as associate director of the Shaqab College of Design Arts, now known as VCUarts Qatar. “Much of my effort has been in support of our Qatar campus so I feel extremely prepared,” Scott said. “While the magnitude of the responsibility is enormous, I’ve acquired the skills to embrace this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

In 2002, she was a member of the counsel in charge of negotiating a 10-year agreement with the Qatar Foundation. She also served on the council in 2012. “Even though the enrollment at VCUarts Qatar is small at 350 compared to our 3,000 students here in Richmond, it takes a significant amount of effort to manage,” Scott said. “The two campuses are 7,000 miles apart, the time difference is 7 hours and the school week in Doha is Sunday to Thursday. We are always dealing with the unexpected and thrilled to be among the other prominent US universities in Doha.” Scott will serve alongside VCUarts Qatar Dean Amir Berbić, who was appointed I’ve been fortunate in August. to work for some “We are both new in our roles and eager visionary deans that to develop and execute new and innovative disciplines,” Scott said. “VCUarts Qatar is coached, encouraged a very special place and I have much respect and challenged for the faculty, staff and students. We are so me to take risks, proud they are part of us.” VCUarts is ranked second by U.S. News make mistakes and & World Report among all fine arts prolearn how to adapt, grams in the country. The school is the topimprovise and do ranked public art school. More than 20% of the incoming class is from out-of-state, things right.” which Scott says is attributed to “reputation, Nancy Scott, rankings and aggressive recruitment efforts.” VCUarts interm dean Scott said the school is planning to partner with other organizations to co-host the A year after the first art foundation pro- Menuhin Competition, a leading internagram for fashion, interior and graphic de- tional violin contest last held in Switzerland. sign majors was established in 1998, Scott “My energy, effort and commitment are joined the administration and moved to 100%,” Scott said. Doha, Qatar.

4 The Commonwealth Times

Stat of the week

Senior middle blocker Jasmin Sneed was named A-10 Defensive Player of the Week after averaging 1.75 blocks per set.

Road trippin’: 4,529 miles in 19 days NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor For some college students, sleeping in on a Monday morning after a long weekend and skipping class is OK. That’s not the case for most student-athletes, especially men’s soccer players. “It’s a reality that college students skip class,” coach Dave Giffard said. “What our guys lose is the ability to do that because if you miss a few classes for other reasons, well now that’s even more difficult to catch up because you’ve already missed three or four other classes.” And the Rams very well might be missing classes soon — men’s soccer will begin a sixgame road trip Friday and will travel about 4,529 miles in the span of 19 days. With the constant travel to and from away games, routine is big for Giffard’s squad, which means trying to miss as few classes as possible. On the road, Giffard says the players try to sleep well and control what they eat. From there, the routine is pretty straightforward. “Get up the next day, go for a walk, go play the game, and then come back after the game and go to class the next day,” Giffard said. “It’s not rocket science.” The team plans ahead, working with professors to make up work that will be missed for competition. Giffard credited academic advisors for helping create schedules that minimize the number of classes student-athletes have to miss during the season. And student-athletes have a contingent of tutors and academic advisors who can help them succeed in their classes. “They’re here to support them and try and help them be successful during this time period,” Giffard said. “So you have some checks and balances to try to keep people on the best path they can stay on, where a normal student doesn’t have those advantages.” Players use study hall hours to keep up with their schoolwork. “When we travel we have what we call study hall hours, so five hours a week we are supposed to go to a study hall,” said junior goalkeeper Mario Sequeira. “We have a lot of tutoring, we have a lot of facilities of help from advisors and tutors, and even our coaches keep track of what we’re doing.” Redshirt-junior midfielder Anthony Gonnella echoed Sequeira’s sentiment and said he does his homework before going on the road. During the six upcoming road games, the Rams will play three teams ranked in the top 25; UCF (15), Coastal Carolina (12) and Akron (21). They will also begin their Atlantic 10 portion of the schedule on the road against St. Bonaventure and Saint Joseph’s. “St. Bonaventure and Saint Joseph’s are our two first league games and they’re not the two easiest places to go based on facilities,” Giffard said. “I think each of these six games are really ones we are looking forward to, really important.” Playing on the road can actually be an advantage for some players, because it puts the focus on soccer, eliminating distractions that can arise when playing at home. The coaching staff knows what the team is eating prior to the match, and the players can relax while studying. “It is nice to know here’s what everybody’s eating, you get a good night’s sleep, and sometimes being at home is a disadvantage,”

The road ahead

9/21: Olean, NY

vs. St. Bonaventure - 419 miles

10/2: Akron, OH

9/28: Philadelphia, PA

v.s Akron - 436 miles

vs. Saint Joseph’s - 257 miles

9/17: Norfolk, VA

vs. ODU - 94.6 miles

9/25: Conway, SC

vs. Coastal Carolina - 314 miles

9/13: Orlando, FL vs. UCF - 744 miles

KEY

Richmond, VA Game Location

Total miles round trip: 4,529

Infographic by Kamryn Gillham

Giffard said. “You have class, your daily routine … Sometimes being on the road for some guys is better than sleeping in your own bed.” The Rams use three different modes of transportation throughout the season, depending on what’s best for the players. “We try to look at what’s the easiest and best for the kid’s bodies,” Giffard said. “So, if it’s a shorter trip we just take a 36-passenger bus with nicer seats and a little more space to spread out and you’re a little more comfortable.”

If the trip is longer than four or five hours by bus, the team considers flying, while taking into account the players’ bodies and safety. They avoid multi-leg flights, Giffard said, because it’s taxing on the players and isn’t very relaxing. In some instances, the Rams take a double-decker sleeper bus to games farther away, giving the players a chance to sleep and relax. The sleeper bus is typically easier for the team than flying because they don’t have to arrive at the airport hours before the flight leaves.

The sleeper bus also allows the team to rest on the way back to Richmond after a late-night match. “You get another few hours of sleep in your bed, you get up and you go to class the next day,” Giffard said. “We just try to make decisions on what’s the best way for them to travel most safely and gives us the best opportunity to perform well.” Sports staff writer Adam Cheek contributed to this report.

Wed. September 11, 2019 5

Freshman forward Maverick McGann, left, has scored once so far. Photo by Raelyn Fines

Rams knocked off in overtime by NJIT

ADAM CHEEK Staff Writer

“I thought as the game went on, especially coming into the second half, I thought we really started to get things going,” coach Men’s soccer dropped its match against Dave Giffard said. the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Junior goalkeeper Mario Sequeira saved Sunday night 1-0 in overtime, despite the three of four shots on goal by NJIT, playing Rams outshooting the Highlanders 19-9. all 96 minutes of the game. The black and gold held NJIT scoreless for Sequeira, Mane, Robinson and junior forthe entirety of regulation, but Highlanders ward Jared Greene were issued yellow cards. forward Rene White scored the game-winThe Highlanders rattled off a pair of ning goal six minutes into overtime. shots around the three-minute mark, while Sophomore forward Martin Ngoh was VCU’s first shot came 13 minutes in off the standout of the night for the Rams, Ngoh’s foot. racking up six shots, three on goal. SophThe Rams went on the attack soon omore midfielder Fiorre Mane added four after, with Mane getting one off in the of his own, while senior defenseman Ryo 25th minute. Ngoh followed suit in the Shimazaki and junior midfielder Oquin 29th minute, as did Robinson not 30 Robinson had two each. seconds later.

Senior midfielder Fortia Munts, right, logged three shots in the loss. Photo by Raelyn Fines VCU had the opportunity for a penalty kick 39 seconds into the second half. It was originally scored by Robinson, but referees called for a re-kick. NJIT blocked Robinson’s attempt, and the match remained scoreless. VCU held the Highlanders without a shot for almost 10 minutes, but NJIT rattled off a shot and back-to-back attempts in the 59th minute. “[We] certainly had some other moments,” Giffard said. “Flurries where we would spend three, four, five minutes attacking and they’d come dangerously.” The Rams then fired off 11 unanswered shots in 27 minutes, with Ngoh coming the closest. His shot in the 88th minute

ricocheted off the crossbar, nearly putting the Rams on the board. Highlander senior midfielder Andrew Nino got one more shot off before the end of regulation, but the teams remained knotted in a stalemate. In the 10-minute overtime period, White’s game-winner was the only attempted shot. “In terms of performance, I thought going forward there was a significant step in improvement that we’ve been pleased with and happy with and [we] need to just continue building upon that,” Giffard said. The Rams will begin a six-game stretch of away games, beginning with a 7 p.m. matchup against UCF Sept. 13.

PRESS BOX

The lack of star power on the World Cup team is good for the NBA NILE MCNAIR Contributing Writer As the NBA offseason winds down, the final glimpse of summer basketball before the start of the NBA’s regular season is the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China. This year’s World Cup team is not as star-studded as the Americans are used to; the team has only two all-stars in Kemba Walker and Khris Middleton. Walker is the only member of the team who was part of any 2019 All-NBA team. Some of the players aren’t even starters on their NBA teams. Compare this team to the gold-medal-winning 2016 Olympic team, which had superstar talents Paul George, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Carmelo Anthony. This dearth of star power is actually positive for the league. It shows the emphasis top players are putting on the upcoming season. Due to free agent movement, the NBA has parity it hasn’t seen in a while, and there is no clear favorite to win the NBA title. All the shuffling is one of many reasons players withdrew from the team. Instead of participating in the World Cup, players wanted to use the

offseason to have a chance to blend with new teammates. Additionally, when top level players withdrew, that put in jeopardy USA basketball’s decadelong legacy of dominance. “I think the other guys looked at it, like, why would I want to go to potentially be the face of what could be a losing roster?” said Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum on ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski’s podcast. Nevertheless, other international teams catching up in talent with USA basketball is good for the NBA. The more talented players on international teams, the more

“Holy hell … if that doesn’t make your heart race … I’d go to war with any of these guys any night,” center Myles Turner tweeted postgame. Close games like that one fit into the NBA’s trend of parity entering the season. A legitimate 12 of the 30 NBA teams have championship aspirations. NBA fans should be excited to see fewer stars on the World Cup team, avoiding possible injury in preparation for the upcoming season. Surely we know owners of these potential championship-level teams are happy their stars aren’t playing in the World Cup. Illustration by Sammy Newman USA’s final World Cup roster could eiof that talent will funnel into the NBA. ther be the start of a trend, or just a result For example, the reigning league of what’s happening in the NBA. With MVP is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who the 2020 Olympics in Japan coming up is playing for Greece in the World Cup. next summer, expect to see the superstar And Joel Embiid, from Cameroon, is the NBA players return to try to win another best center in the NBA. Having players gold medal. from other countries as some of the facUntil then, get excited to watch some es of the league is something the NBA’s competitive international basketball biggest competitor, the NFL, cannot say. in which USA has an actual chance of In its second game in the World Cup losing, even before the finals. So as you against Turkey, Team USA escaped with watch the lack of star power on the floor a narrow 93-92 victory in overtime. Of for the USA during the World Cup, just course, critics have commented on how know you will be rewarded with a great close the game was, but the players had a upcoming NBA season. different take.

6 The Commonwealth Times

In 7-goal thriller, Rams fall to ODU JARON NUTTER Contributing Writer Women’s soccer fell in an offensive showcase to ODU 4-3 on Sunday night at Sports Backers Stadium, despite three first-half goals. Coach Lindsey Martin said the team members didn’t play like their usual selves. “We’re a talented team, but today we didn’t look talented,” Martin said. “When you have a game when you’re not playing like you typically do, and you’re not giving the effort you typically do, bad things are going to happen.”

Monarchs forward Amanda Nhek opened the scoring with a goal in the 13th minute, putting ODU up early. Moments later, the Rams tied it with a goal from senior defender Susanna Friedrichs in the 14th minute, and senior midfielder Alyssa Tallent assisted the tying shot. The Rams took the lead in the 24th minute after junior midfielder Emma Kershner knocked in a penalty kick. Kyra Ricks scored two goals in a three minute span, tying the match and putting the Monarchs in front. Junior forward Cici Fox scored in the 44th minute to cap off a six-goal half and tie the game for VCU. In the second half, both teams ramped up their defensive intensity. ODU goalkeeper Jasmine Crawley made a save in the 49th minute, deflecting a potential go-ahead goal. Crawley followed up with another save in the 72nd minute. Sophomore goalkeeper Grace Young also made a save for the Rams in the 62nd minute to keep the game deadlocked at three.

Women’s soccer outshot ODU 15-10 in the loss to the Monarchs. Photo by Raelyn Fines Junior midfielder Samantha Jerabek ripped five shots but failed to hit the back of the net all night. Monarchs forward Megan Watts scored the game-winning goal in the 74th minute to put ODU up 4-3. VCU went on an all-out attack in the remaining 15 minutes, including a corner kick possession at the 89th minute, when

the Rams took multiple shots on goal. However, VCU failed to tie the game. The Rams fell, despite outshooting the Monarchs 15-10 and 7-5 on goal. The Rams travel to Pittsburgh on Sept. 12 to take on the Panthers. They will return home on Sept. 15 to battle Saint Francis.

Rams avenge losing streak against Hokies

NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor

Volleyball took revenge on Virginia Tech for last year’s sweep on the Rams, knocking off the Hokies 3-1 on Tuesday in Richmond, snapping a 16-match losing streak against the team. The Rams and Hokies traded points throughout the first set, but Virginia Tech was able to build a 4-point lead using a 3-0 scoring run. The Hokies extended their lead to seven, outscoring VCU 6-2 late in the first set. Virginia Tech took the first set 25-21 after the Rams committed five service errors in the opening set. In the second set, the Rams used a 4-0 scoring run to nab the lead from the Hokies and pull ahead by one midway through the set. The Rams set the tone in the second set with six blocks, including two from

the duo of redshirt-senior middle blockers Jaelyn Jackson and Kat Young. “We had a couple challenges in the first set and we made adjustments and we came back in the second set,” coach Jody Rogers said. “Then we did what we do well, we stayed aggressive and got them out of their offense.” VCU outscored the Hokies 5-1 late in the second set to take a 23-17 lead. Senior middle blocker Jasmin Sneed sparked the run with two kills and two blocks in a row. Sneed logged a match-high eight blocks against the Hokies, as well as 10 kills. The Rams combined for 15 blocks on the night. The Rams swiped the second set from Virginia Tech 25-19 to tie the match at one apiece. Senior opposite hitter Vicky Giommarini sparked a 4-1 scoring run for the Rams in the third set with two kills and

an ace, forcing the Hokies to call their first timeout of the set. Giommarini recorded a team-high 13 kills and logged three blocks. The Rams closed the third set outscoring the Hokies 7-2 to win it 25-19 and take the lead.

In the fourth set, the Rams used a 5-0 scoring run with two VCU aces to pull ahead by six midway through the set. The Rams closed the match taking the fourth set 25-19.

Route 5 buses arrive every 15 minutes and service many of the same locations as VCU's former Campus Connector. Students who have not been issued a GO Pass can ride GRTC by presenting their VCU ID card.

go.vcu.edu/grtc

Senior opposite hitter Vicky Giommarini, left, and senior middle blocker Jasmin Sneed, right, combined for 23 kills against Virginia Tech. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh

Wed. September 11, 2019 7

On this day

In 1991, Seattle rock band Nirvana released their single “Smells like Teen Spirit.”

The Institute for Contemporary Art hosted a screening of Solange’s short film, “When I Get Home” on Friday. Film curator Enjoli Moon led a discussion before the event as a part of the ICA’s inaugural First Friday celebration of the school year. Photo by Jon Mirador

ICA screening of ‘When I Get Home’ inspires viewers to think about identity IMAN MEKONEN Spectrum Editor Blue hues and glitter fringe suits. Black men riding white horses in the night. A crowd of homogenous dancers moving in a wave-like motion. These are the opening scenes in Solange Knowles’ newest project, a short film titled “When I Get Home.” The film accompanies Knowles’ 2019 album of the same name and is her directorial debut. Both the album and the film serve as an ode to her hometown of Houston. The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU hosted a screening of the film on Friday as a part of its inaugural First Friday celebration of the school year. “When I learned about Solange’s film, I was instantly excited,” said ICA film curator Enjoli Moon. “I’m personally a Solange fan. I think that her aesthetic is something that is speaking to a larger group of people.” She said she thought it was something that would interest people in Richmond, including VCU affiliates. As a curator, Moon said she tends to gravitate toward narratives of black and brown people on a global scale. “Those stories are underrepresented and undertold in institutions. For us to be committed to expanding what it means to be an artist and for your stories to have value,” Moon said, “and to be able to create a space for you and to elevate you in institutions like this one, I think is extremely important.”

Throughout the film, Knowles appears in several afro-futuristic outfits and hairstyles while performing different dances. Despite this, the film’s mood is consistent. Several of the scenes are neutral toned with brown, black and cream colors — with every scene representing a vibrant story. Everything from the outfits and backgrounds fit perfectly with the record’s artwork. “It’s [the film] monochromatic in the color grading and scheme, but it’s also something monochromatic about the energy of the movie itself. It’s stable and keeps you at this certain tone and this range,” Moon said.

With an all black dance crew, the film highlights elements of Houston’s Western history with cowboy hats and fringe outfits. The film begins with her repetitive poem, “Things I Imagined.” As the title is repeated throughout the song, the camera exposes a neutral-colored view of a building. It then pans over to a figure in a silver-studded hood. The following scene shows a deep teal vision of Knowles dancing with a jewelencrusted figure. These eye-catching visuals combined with her silky vocals create a calm and serene tone, also throwing in a bit of chaos here and there.

Film still from “When I Get Home” by Solange Knowles. Photo courtesy of the ICA

The video for “Down with the Clique” screened afterward, presenting shots of downtown Houston’s architecture as well as several backup dancers wearing cowboy hats, riding horses and square dancing. Songs such as “Dreams,” “Almeda,” “Things I Imagined” and “Way To The Show” feature little to no variation within the lyrics. It’s repetitive, but calming. After watching the film, it’s hard to listen to the album without visualizing every scene. In the video accompanied by her song “Way to the Show,” Knowles’ face is at the center of the camera, moving effortlessly with her backup dancers. It almost looks like she’s talking directly to the viewer. The background dancers are crucial to the overall feeling of the film, whether they’re the focus of the scene, dancing right beside her or acting in a performance. The video for “Binz” is shot as a home video on a laptop camera, with Knowles dancing around in a carefree manner, twerking and simply enjoying her life. Knowles dances in a carefree motion, which fits perfectly with the playfulness of the song with its pop beats and in-your-face lyrics. Solange’s visual representation of the album takes viewers on a journey through her childhood and hometown in the film’s real location, showcasing Southern culture. It’s visually appealing with flawless choreography and storylines.

8 The Commonwealth Times

UPCOMING EVENTS See something

THURS. 9/12 Midsommar Director’s Cut Screening at the Byrd Theatre

The Byrd Theatre is hosting the director’s cut of the 2019 film “Midsommar,” directed by Ari Aster. For tickets, visit. byrdtheatre.org 9:30 p.m., The Byrd Theatre & Foundation (2908 W. Cary St.) $4

FRI. 9/13 - SUN. 9/15 27th Annual Richmond Tattoo, Art & Music Festival

“The Mountain” had its Richmond debut at the historic Byrd Theatre in Carytown on Sunday. Photo by Alessandro Latour

Richmond director’s film debuts at Byrd Theatre

ANDREW RINGLE Managing Editor Richmond filmmaker Rick Alverson’s latest film, “The Mountain,” had its local debut in a special event at the Byrd Theatre on Sunday. Film studies professor Oliver Speck led an open discussion with the director after the screening. “It’s a pleasure to be home,” Alverson said before the screening started. “We premiered this at Venice Film Festival last August. And then Kino Lorber, the notorious arthouse distributor, picked it up. We opened in New York and LA last month, and it’s been playing in town since. But it’s nice to be home.” Set sometime in the 1950s, “The Mountain” captures the stark reality of a decade typically glorified in Hollywood fantasies. The film portrays the final moments of America’s brief obsession with lobotomies — a procedure that severed connections in the brain — which lost legitimacy after new technology facilitated safer, less invasive psychological treatments.

I’m reacting to everything that says make easier films, make films that are more inviting, that are more enjoyable.” Rick Alverson, director The film’s young protagonist, Andy, works at his father’s ice skating rink while grappling with the institutionalization, lobotomization and death of his mother. After his coldhearted father abruptly suffers a fatal heart attack, Andy falls under the wing of Wallace Fiennes, a family friend and the lobotomist who operated on his mother. Andy travels with Fiennes to a number of institutions, photographing the surgeon’s

The event will host several local vendors, locally and internationally recognized artists, as well as former contestants from “Ink Master.” The threeday event will also feature live music, art, painting and tattoo competitions. Children 12 and under get in for free. Military, senior citizen and student discounts are applicable at the door. Ticket prices vary per day. To buy tickets, visit myticketstobuy.com. For more information and specific event times, visit the event’s facebook page. Doubletree by Hilton Richmond-Midlothian (1021 Koger Center Blvd.) Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturday noon-2 a.m. and Sunday noon-6 p.m.

Do something

FRI. 9/13 Expedition RVA: Riverfront Canal Cruise

The Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement will host a riverfront canal cruise tour of the James River and Kanawha Canal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Hanan Kourtu at kourtuhm@vcu.edu or 703-304-5538. Check-in begins at 11 a.m. in Room 229 of the University Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave.) and will depart at 11:30 p.m. Free.

SAT. 9/14 The Richmond Night Market

Director Rick Alverson, who lives in Church Hill, answered questions in an open discussion after the screening. Photo by Alessandro Latour patients before and after the lobotomies are performed. Spending time in the asylums brings out the worst in the duo; Andy slowly loses his mind as he desperately tries to connect with the patients, and Fiennes struggles with alcoholism between his growingly scarce operations. Fiennes is loosely based on Walter Freeman, a real and controversial surgeon from the decade who once performed a lobotomy on Rosemary Kennedy, the sister of President John F. Kennedy. The film boasts surprising chemistry between its two frontrunners, Jeff Goldblum as Fiennes and Tye Sheridan as Andy. The former, a veteran of “Jurassic Park” and “Independence Day” fame, reflects the brightest aspects of the latter, a rising star who received international attention after his role in “Ready Player One.” Goldblum and Sheridan share a connection to those Spielberg summertime blockbusters; one might argue the director is at least partly responsible for launching the two actors to stardom across two generations. But Alverson’s “The Mountain” demands a performance far different than what the actors have needed to produce in the past. Alverson said much of the direction in his latest film was physical rather than verbal, meaning the actors needed to use their bodies to convey scenes. “It’s a ton of physical direction,” Alverson said. “There are some actors who hate

it, but I tend to work with people who are open to that sort of thing. There’s a lot of, like, ‘move three quarters of an inch to the left’ and ‘part your lips’ kind of direction.” French actor Denis Lavant brings this physical direction to the forefront in a scene in which his character, Jack, is visibly intoxicated. He speaks in a mix of English and French, spitting and stumbling through his living room while he rants incoherently about the meaning of life. This scene from Lavant was one of the strongest in the film, and it gives form to Alverson’s efforts as a spontaneous director. The film is shot in a nearly square aspect ratio, hearkening back to the popular television format in the 1950s. Alverson said he chose it to imitate the falseness of mid-20th century media by using the black obstructions on the sides of the screen to guide visual elements in the film. “Stylistically I’ve become more obstinate,” Alverson said. “To me it’s a more inviting film, in other ways it’s like you’re sort of bludgeoned with it. I’m reacting to everything that says make easier films, make films that are more inviting, that are more enjoyable.” Alverson said there’s clout in the film industry for making those “easier films,” but that there needs to be a migration from the “aspirational Spielberg space” and the “titillating Tarantino space” of Hollywood moviemaking.

The Richmond Night Market is an outdoor festival that provides a night of live music, fresh food and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse energy. 5-10 p.m. 17th Street Market (100 N. 17th LETTER TO THE EDITOR St). Free.

TUES. 9/17 Peace Corps Application Workshop

The Peace Corps Journey is hosting an application workshop. A recruiter will be present to help applicants with their applications and resumes for the Oct. 1 application deadline. Register on the organization’s Facebook page. For more information, contact Matthew Meritt at mmerritt@peacecorps.gov. Career Services Conference Room (907 Floyd Ave.) Noon-1 p.m. Free.

Learn something

SAT. 9/14 43rd Street Festival of the Arts

The 28th annual art festival will host a number of regional artists and artisans to showcase and sell their work. There will be everything from street art to local art. 43rd St. Gallery (1412 W. 43rd St.) 10 a.m.5 p.m. Free.

SAT. 9/14 Richmond VegFest

The 11th annual Richmond VegFest will provide a variety of reasons to go vegan by showcasing local businesses that supply many vegan options. The festival will have food, music and family fun. Byrd Park (600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd.) Noon-6 p.m. Free. Rain Date: Sept. 21

Wed. September 11, 2019 9

Quote of the week

“Happy Birthday, Tagwa!” — The staff of the Commonwealth times

Comedy: the line between charismatic and problematic

up aspiring black comedians. Well-known actors such as, but not limited to, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Bernie Mac, Adele Givens, Cedric the Entertainer, Martin I clicked on his face ready to roll on the Lawrence and Chappelle got their starts on floor, clutching my stomach to stop the Def Comedy Jam. The show, which aired on pain of his humor. I clicked on his face. HBO, was notorious for its profanity and I can’t seem to decide whether I regret “ghettoizing black stand-up.” doing so. Dave Chappelle’s latest stand-up comedy special “Sticks and Stones” premiered last week on Netflix. His special, just like many of his specials before, poked at topics Comedy has always ranging from the excessive school shootings to the opioid crisis. Chappelle held been a gray area. nothing back, especially when it came to For as long as I can his infamous punches at LGBTQ+ people, remember, comedians specifically targeting the transgender community. Time and time again, Chappelle have taken real-world finds himself in hot water over his “offenissues — political sive” jokes, yet always comes out unscathed. tensions, social Is this the special that will finally dampen Chappelle’s career? controversy and many I’ve always loved Chappelle. My dad other dilemmas — has been a fan of him for as long as I can and used their stages remember. Once it became appropriate, or as close to appropriate as it gets, to let your as outlets.” kid watch “The Chappelle Show,” it was on Tagwa Shammet, in my house like cartoons on a Saturday opinions editor morning. He had this humor that was so raw and uncensored, yet eloquent and articulate. His jokes made me cover my mouth Def Comedy Jam allowed black comein horror, while laughing my butt off at the dians to be unapologetically black, never same time. Chappelle’s jokes are what all of censoring their humor to fit white norms, us are thinking, yet can’t say. while allowing black audiences to laugh to Or, at least they used to be. the sound of people who looked like them Comedy has always been a gray area. For and made jokes about struggles they unas long as I can remember, comedians have derstood. In 1992, the black community taken real-world issues — political tensions, may have respected Bill Cosby, but his consocial controversy and many other dilem- forming comedy didn’t give them the relief mas — and used their stages as outlets. A they were looking for. In 1992, the black prime example is Def Comedy Jam. Pre- community needed and appreciated the raw miering in 1992, it served as a stage to prop jokes that eased the pain of Rodney King’s

TAGWA SHAMMET Opinions Editor

beating and shined a light on the realities of mental illness. Def Comedy Jam conquered everything from oppression to depression. But as the times evolve and social sensitivity is encouraged, when does a joke cross the line and become an issue? For many, Chappelle’s “Sticks and Stones” crossed it. Surpassed the line. Critics dragged the special, saying Chappelle’s jokes “make you wince” and accusing him of being “out of touch with today.” I’m conflicted on my feelings toward “Sticks and Stones.” I won’t lie, the special had me unusually uncomfortable at some points. I was relatively prepared for the outrageous jokes Chappelle was about to throw at me, and I was abnormally excited for that taste of home he was going to provide. But with the aggressive ignorance toward the transgender community by openly disregarding transgender people’s pronouns and belittling their struggles — comparing them to something as impossible and ridiculous as an Asian man being trapped in a black man’s body — I was unamused. Nevertheless, I won’t be “canceling” Chappelle. This might seem problematic to some of you, but I knew what I was doing when I watched this special. Like Chappelle said: “You clicked on my face.” He has always been wildly inappropriate, and this show was no exception. A portion of me felt guilty watching the special, but I won’t front and say the special wasn’t entertaining in its full Chappelle glory. I grew up with the understanding that comedy is meant to be painful. That it is meant to trigger you and make you laugh. That it is meant to be disturbing, meant to make you uncomfortable. What you do with that irritation is your choice. After hearing those jokes about transgender people, the discomfort led me to educate

Illustration by Jeffrey Belfield

myself on the community, to understand their struggles. Coming to VCU, I was thrown into a diverse world. Not just racially, but a university that accepts all sexualities and gender identities. I, however, was not as understanding. I wasn’t intolerant in any way, but I will admit, I was wildly uninformed; ignorant, frankly. Growing up, the LGBTQ community was slowly introduced to me, only minimal fragments being showcased at a time. While the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities were relatively easy for me to understand, gaining a grip on the transgender community and culture was far more difficult. To put it in simpler words, before I came to VCU, I knew nothing about transgender people. Now, ever since beginning my college career at VCU, I’ve been introduced to many new concepts, even some as simple as using a person’s correct pronouns. After watching Chappelle’s special, I hopped on my laptop, intrigued to read about the outrage the transgender community felt towards “Sticks and Stones.” Let’s just say, problematic and offensive were the kindest words people used to describe the special — and rightfully so. Comedy does evolve with the times. It elevates that uneasy feeling in your chest, while leveling out that need for humor in your bones. However, comedy never conforms to societal expectations. Was “Sticks and Stones” wildly belligerent? Yes. Isn’t that what comedy is all about? Yes. But, even I agree that comedians need to be somewhat mindful of audiences’ ability to digest the content. Chappelle won’t lose any of his key audience members after this special, but he certainly isn’t accumulating viewers from younger generations, and that will ruin his views.

10 The Commonwealth Times

Child marriage isn’t a ‘developing world issue,’ it’s an American one

Illustration by Lindsay Hart

TAGWA SHAMMET Opinions Editor Here comes the bride, all dressed in white. Walking down the aisle, striding toward her husband-to-be. Her family sits on either side, excited for their daughter to begin a new chapter of her life. It’s a fairy-tale wedding. Except, the bride is 14 years old. Around the world, about 12 million girls younger than 18 get married every year. Child marriage has always been a dilemma Americans claim no part in; disregarding it and associating it with developing nations. Well, what if I told you that right here in the United States, child marriage is still very much an issue. According to the New York Times, 200,000 minors in the United States were married between 2000 and 2015. That’s right. Child marriage isn’t a “world away” issue, it’s happening in our very own backyard. Recently, the spotlight has been on the state of Idaho. Early this year, a bill was brought in front of the state’s House of Representatives. The bill was meant to eliminate child marriage in the state by implementing a minimum marriage age of 18. But Republican representatives Bryan Zollinger and Christy Zito swiftly killed the bill. This bill and its instantaneous death came after a decade when Idaho was reported to have the highest childhood marriage rates in the United States, between 2000 and 2010. Zollinger claims the bill “went too far,” which I find ridiculous, seeing how the bill was only raising the minimum age to 18 years old. Then Zollinger said, “marriage is a contract between people that shouldn’t require government permission.” This coming

from a member of the party that blockaded marriage equality for years. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the importance of marriage and fully agree it needs no government involvement, except when it comes to the age of the people getting married. But is it contradictory to say marriage needs no government intrusion? In Idaho, judicial review is present in some cases where court approval is necessary for the union.

According to the New York Times, 200,000 minors in the United States were married between 2000 and 2015. That’s right. Child marriage isn’t a ‘world away’ issue, it’s happening in our very own backyard.” Tagwa Shammet, opinions editor Zito expressed discomfort with the bill after voting against it. She said by killing the bill she was protecting the “sanctity of family.” Someone explain this to me: How is the prevention of child marriage infringing upon the holiness of a family? I recognize that some families have certain beliefs and understandings that I may not hold, but Zito’s reasoning for killing this bill seems like a mighty stretch. Child marriage has been around since the beginning of time. While the concept seems quite foreign to us, it wasn’t so ridiculous to our ancestors. Back in the 18th, 19th and even the early 20th century when a person’s life expectancy didn’t surpass 40 years of age, getting married at the age of 13 or 14 seemed rational.

Today, life expectancy in the U.S. is almost 80, and people are getting married in their mid-tolate 20s and 30s. This is about a fourth of the way into their lives — the same way 14 years is a quarter of a 40-year life. But getting married as a minor now seems ridiculous. In two U.S. states — Alabama and Utah — marriage at the age of 14 is completely legal. The United States actually has no common law regarding the minimum marriage age. Basically, the same way each state regulates the age of people receiving driver’s licenses or the minimum wage, every state decides the minimum age of marriage, without federal government involvement. According to the Pew Research Center, 36 states allow child marriage with judicial review and 34 states allow it with parental consent. More than half of American states allow child marriage. Even if it requires parental consent, children should not be getting married. Many kids aren’t even allowed to get into trivial relationships at the age of 14, how is marriage even a discussion? As a 19-year-old, I cannot see myself married right now. At 14, I didn’t even really understand what a true marriage was.

fundamentally the union of two people. Once you’re married, you’re basically agreeing to take this person as your second half, to rely on them and to have them rely on you — for better or for worse. Subjecting children to this type of commitment is borderline inhumane. Let’s be honest; these young children, primarily girls, are not running off in a “Romeo and Juliet” love story. These children are being coerced and forced into these large scale commitments. How can you expect someone who is legally classified as a “dependent” to take another as their own? Children are being unionized prematurely, and with marriage usually comes parenthood. According to World Atlas, if a child bride under the age of 15 were to become pregnant, they would be five to seven times more likely to die during childbirth compared to a grown woman in her 20s. And, if by some God-given miracle the mother survives, her child has a 60% higher chance of death. These poor children are now risking their lives in order to carry out the effects and expectations of marriage. Regardless of what you believe, these are still children. Child marriage is stripping these kids of not only their lives, but their childhoods. At the age of 14, a child is just entering high school. They are experiencing the wonders of those mystical four years. Due to their new, sudden union, they can’t experience the sleepovers after a Friday In two U.S. states — night game, they can’t rejoice at the student Alabama and Utah — picnic, they can’t be reckless because they’ve been thrown into this state of maturity they marriage at the age of 14 were never prepared for. And that birthing is completely legal. The video from freshman year biology class United States actually could show something they’ve personally lived through. has no common law The holy matrimony of children isn’t regarding the minimum something that’s happening thousands of marriage age” miles away. It’s happening here, in our own country. While legislators take on the fight Tagwa Shammet, to stop it in its tracks, it needs to be less of a opinions editor debate and more of a mutual understanding. Marrying off children is wrong. Children Of course I’ve had the fairy-tale dreams, are meant to live their best years, to enjoy my “prince charming,” the perfect life be- everything life throws at them and to be yond school. That doesn’t mean I want youthful to their fullest extent. They’re not it now. Marriage is a serious thing; it is meant to be making families.

Wed. September 11, 2019â&#x20AC;&#x192;11

THE CT STAFF

The Void by Ellie Erhart

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Georgia Geen geengr@commonwealthtimes.org MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Ringle ringlea@commonwealthtimes.org NEWS EDITOR Hannah Eason news@commonwealthtimes.org SPORTS EDITOR Noah Fleischman sports@commonwealthtimes.org SPECTRUM EDITOR Iman Mekonen spectrum@commonwealthtimes.org OPINIONS EDITOR Tagwa Shammet opinions@commonwealthtimes.org PHOTO EDITOR Jon Mirador photography@commonwealthtimes.org AUDIENCE EDITOR Alexandra Zernik zernikal@commonwealthtimes.org ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR Sammy Newman illustrations@commonwealthtimes.org STAFF WRITERS Adam Cheek, Sports Quentin Rice, Spectrum STAFF ILLUSTRATORS Erin Joo

VCU STUDENT MEDIA CENTER

Attendance Not Required by Carleigh Ross

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All Nighters by Michelle Dominado

ABOUT THE CT The Commonwealth Times is the award-winning independent student newspaper at VCU, since 1969. The CT staff maintains all editorial and operations discretion. There is absolutely no prior review by the public, university or VCU Student Media Center administration or staff. The Executive Editor writes and manages the Operations Budget.

ADD YOUR VOICE The opinions pages of the CT are a forum open to the public. Contributions are welcome by email to Tagwa Shammet, by mail or in-person at 817 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220. Opinions expressed are those of individual columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Commonwealth Times. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The CT staff. The Commonwealth Times strives for accuracy in gathering news. If you think we have made an error, please email the appropriate section editor. Corrections will appear on the news pages and/or online. One CT per person. Additional copies can be purchased at the Student Media Center for $1 each.

12 The Commonwealth Times

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