To the person who dressed in blackface for Halloween this past weekend: You are not funny. You are not clever. You are ignorant. You represent an image of African Americans that was popularized during the 1700s.
This Homecoming Weekend promises to be as strange as it will be memorable, because those who were my peers just a few months ago will be returning to campus as members of that distant and ever-growing faction that is "alumni." And sadly, if all goes according to plan, I will reluctantly be initiated into that same group about six months from now.
Dear Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students: I am writing this letter to address some concerns about an incident which occurred this past weekend, which I feel that we, as members of the University of Richmond community, need to address as a collective.
MADRID ? After being here for about 2 1/2 months, there are very few things that still trigger that little feeling of homesickness from time to time.
Before heading abroad this past spring, I had an extended winter break waiting for my semester to begin.
I come from a big family with upwards of 18 aunts and uncles and face a painful inquiry into my personal life every time we get together.
Blackface. It's the "issue du jour" and it's on everyone's minds. Was it wrong for that student to choose a costume from a performance style steeped in racism?
I am hopeful. A few weeks ago I read an article in The Collegian that someone wrote about the magic of 'Crankin dat' soulja boy,' a song played at an apartment party that managed to bring people of all races together for four minutes of laughing, dancing and "Superman-ing." I was there for that party, and to find that other people had noticed that moment of brief but fantastic unity truly made me feel as though we were making progress for the race relations of this campus. I am hopeful. Last week I went to a SALSA event in the Alice Haynes Room, thinking it would probably solely consist of students of Spanish or Latino descent.
In 2005, if someone had asked me to pick a theme for the year, my one word response would have been water. Not to belittle other tragic events in 2005, but it was a marked year from the start.
Before I go any further let me say I was not on campus this weekend to experience the University of Richmond Halloween or see any of the creative costumes put together by our "intellectual risk takers." Nonetheless, I would place a bet on there being a "risk taker," somewhere on this campus, that did dress up like a Mexican gangster, American Indian or terrorist (intended to be of Muslim descent). I've seen these impersonators dress up in sombreros, head dresses and black and white scarves before, so I know I am not making this up.
To the University of Richmond student body, faculty, staff and administrators: It is up to each and every one of us to ensure that something like this never happens again.
Widespread opposition from Virginia drivers over the state's recently imposed abusive driver fees, which range from $750 for driving on a suspended license to $3,000 for motor vehicle-related felonies, may soon apply to out-of-state drivers as well, lawmakers say. The new regulations, which Virginia lawmakers designed to raise $65 million for much-needed transportation projects, took effect July 1 and is at the nexus of a conflict that has resulted in differing court opinions and a patchwork of laws throughout Virginia. All 140 seats in the Virginia General Assembly are up for election this November, which has led many state lawmakers, sensing the unpopularity of the fees, to distance themselves from Gov.
I'll be brief. For four years, I've awaited the new gym. Our old one was a joke ?\0xAD a very bad joke.
After three and a half years following Richmond athletics, I have seen it all. I have seen good teams and bad teams, great games and miserable games.
Last Thursday, my grandmother passed away. It was not a shock since she had Alzheimer's disease and contracted pneumonia the week before.
President George W. Bush delivered an impressive and politically specific State of the Union address last Tuesday night, talking about issues and his vision to make America a better place.
On Dec. 18, 2006, the U.S.-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Promotion Act became law, having been passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the president.
In my three and a half years as a student at the University of Richmond, I have never, until now, felt compelled to write into the opinion section. Congratulations, Paul Negrin.
In the early 16th century, a young Italian patriot sat nightly in his study, reading and writing with a missionary fervor.
