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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

Craig VanClief, left, served as the head of Public Safety for a year and a half. The university hired Alex Rabar, right, to take the role of interim director in January.

W&L quietly replaces VanClief and welcomes interim Public Safety director

Former Rutgers police captain Alex Rabar will temporarily fill the position as Washington and Lee University conducts its search for a new chief officer
Aiden Kelsey, Local Editor
March 10, 2025
Sunrise Sandwich and Breakfast Burrito costs rose this semester due to increasing egg prices.

Students forced to eat higher egg prices

W&L Dining Services have cracked down on costs of campus favorites like the Sunrise Sandwich to address national supply shortages
Josh Darrow
March 10, 2025
Students play in the snow on the Colonnade.

Last-minute closures cause confusion during W&L snow

W&L’s delayed snow day responses on Feb. 11 and 12 left students and faculty commuting in hazardous conditions
Cami Knott, Web Editor
March 10, 2025
Ryman Smith, ’27, Grace Rustay, ’27, Megan Hess and Steve McAllister discuss sustainable investing at a panel.

Panelists cast doubt on divestment. New student group says green investment is the better solution.

The Sustainable Innovation Investment Society plans to give students the tools they need to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to environmental activism
Emma Malinak, Editor-in-Chief
March 10, 2025
The Department of Education sent the "Dear Colleague" letter to all federally funded schools on Feb. 14. Image designed by Emma Malinak, '25, with graphics courtesy of the Department of Education and Flickr.

Department of Education letter threatens W&L programs related to race

The Department of Education gave schools 14 days to end all DEI programs. It’s been 21 days, and W&L has not made any official changes
Julianna Stephenson, Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2025
A group of W&L seniors studies and does homework together.

W&L students thrive post-pandemic, professors say

Amid nationwide pandemic learning loss, the resilience and drive of W&L students allows them to succeed
Julianna Stephenson, Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2025
Students walk through the streets of New York City to a meeting during last year’s finance trip.

February Break career trips become increasingly selective

The Office of Career and Professional Development required students to interview for spots on trips for the first time in 20 years
Ava Tallat-Kelpsa, General Assignment Staff Writer
February 17, 2025
2024 Washington Term Students worked in internships in every corner of the nation’s capital. 2025’s cohort will have more limited choices.

Federal hiring freeze creates new challenges for students’ internship, job searches

Although Washington, D.C. is 200 miles away from Lexington, W&L students are feeling the effects of executive orders in their own backyard
Emma Malinak, Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2025
The Office of Inclusion and Engagement is headquartered in Elrod Commons.

W&L administration won’t speculate on the future of DEI. Students have opinions.

New federal policies put diversity, equity and inclusion programs on the chopping block
Aiden Kelsey, Local Editor
February 17, 2025
Alden Wicker’s talk about her book, “To Dye For,” was set to be held in Northen Auditorium but was moved to Zoom following the winter storm.

W&L alum discusses the effect of fast fashion on human health

Alden Wicker, ’09, spoke to university professors and students about how toxic chemicals in clothes make us, and the environment, sick
Erika Kengni, News Editor
February 17, 2025
Gerard Baker addresses a crowd of almost 200 in University Chapel.

Wall Street Journal leader examines Trump’s revolution

The Journal’s Editor-At-Large, Gerard Baker, told a crowd in University Chapel that the new president may struggle to keep up the momentum of his first week in office
Josh Darrow
February 3, 2025
Melissa Harris-Perry, the presidential chair of Wake Forest University’s department of politics and international affairs, spoke at Washington and Lee on Jan. 20.

MLK keynote speaker takes stock of American politics on Inauguration Day

“Jackson-Lee, King, Trump day feels like the most American day ever,” Melissa Harris-Perry told a crowd in Keller Theatre
Shay Bowman
February 3, 2025
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