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Independent student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Independent student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Independent student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

Donning of the Stoles has been a tradition at W&L for nearly two decades to celebrate the achievements of African American students and others of marginalized backgrounds. Photo courtesy of the university's 2024 recorded livestream of the Donning of the Stoles ceremony.

University ends identity-based graduation events amid federal DEI crackdown

Students say changes to commencement programming impact marginalized communities
Erika Kengni, News Editor
May 19, 2025
The endowment's returns aren't keeping pace with the S&P 500. Graph by Josh Darrow, '26. Endowment return data from university financial statements.  S&P 500 data from multpl.com

W&L tuition is growing while endowment returns are falling short

The university’s endowment has had less than expected returns for three years, while tuition jumped by nearly 10% in the same span
Josh Darrow
May 19, 2025
Over 45% of Washington and Lee’s annual endowment payout funds student scholarships. Photo by Melos Ambaye ‘25

University enlists D.C. lobbying firm to oppose proposed increase in endowment tax

The move marks the first time the university has hired an outside lobbying firm, according to lobbying disclosures
Melos Ambaye, News Editor
May 19, 2025
An out of order blue light is located near Reid Hall. Photo by Joshua Davidson ‘28

A third of blue light systems are out of order

Of the 18 Help Systems on campus, six lack working communication features, and signs cover the call buttons
Joshua Davidson, Local Editor
May 19, 2025
As of Thursday, 592 colleges and universities signed “A Call for Constructive Engagement” from the American Association of Colleges and Universities. Washington and Lee University is not one of them.

President Dudley declines to sign letter against ‘undue government intrusion’ in higher education

The letter, signed by hundreds of universities nationwide, is circulating after months of the Trump administration’s attacks on colleges’ DEI programs, research grants, and more
Erika Kengni, News Editor
May 1, 2025
Students tabling outside Commons encourage other students to vote in this year’s student election.

EC and SJC officer positions garner no opposition

Elections for the university’s two student governing bodies concluded last week
Celeste Silva-Carrillo
April 7, 2025
L.F. Payne and David A. Trott speak at University Chapel.

Former members of Congress implore students to compromise across political difference

Two former congressmen from across the aisle gave a joint talk on campus to encourage civil discourse
Emma Malinak, Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2025
The general education changes will take effect in fall 2026, pending approval.

W&L deploys new Gen Eds for 2026

In fall 2026, FDRs will be replaced by a new “skills-based” curriculum
Josh Darrow
April 7, 2025
The Panhellenic Council is renaming its DEI position. Sorority members have mixed opinions.

Sororities vote to rename Panhellenic DEI position

The Panhellenic Vice President of DEI role was renamed to Vice President of Community Engagement. The change comes after pressure from the federal government to end DEI programs
Emily Scaff
April 7, 2025
Some administrative turnover is happening in the Student Affairs Office, while other changes are overseen by the Provost’s Office.

Nine W&L administrative positions in flux as staff leave or switch positions

The university notified students of the changes last week. But some of the turnover happened months ago
Juliette Sohonage
April 7, 2025
Downtown Lexington is seeing businesses close, relocate and change ownership.

Appalachian Sage sold as downtown businesses shake things up

Businesses continue to play musical chairs with downtown storefronts. Two popular Lexington cafés have changes brewing
Josh Darrow
March 24, 2025
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