The student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

The student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

The student newspaper of Washington and Lee University

The Ring-tum Phi

A crowd of people stand in a circle holding flashlights and signs. Behind them are lit up buildings with tall columns.

Students protest University Chapel speaker in lead-up to MLK Day

Over 100 students staged a silent walkout during a speech by Rodney Mims Cook Jr., '78, honoring Robert E. Lee
Bri Hatch, Emma Malinak, and Shauna Muckle
January 23, 2023
A group of people carrying Confederate flags and symbols are assembled in a cemetery.

Local MLK and Lee-Jackson Day festivities clash

Both parades in downtown Lexington boasted the largest crowds they've seen since 2020
Bri Hatch and Shauna Muckle
January 23, 2023
Sorority houses, red brick buildings with white columned porches, seen through trees.

First-years offer mixed reviews on first in-person rush process since pandemic

First-years were able to rush in person at the beginning of winter term
Abby Kim, Staff Writer
January 23, 2023
A Black man in a suit and tie gestures as he speaks.

Civil rights attorney discusses MLK’s legacy

Ben Crump emphasizes the importance of addressing injustice wherever it is found
Jenny Hellwig, News Editor
January 23, 2023
W&Ls taxable property is worth $9.9 million, including leased buildings like the business office.

Inside Washington and Lee’s real estate tax exemption

W&L only paid $91,000 in real estate taxes this year for its off-campus property valued at $57.6 million. The university supports Lexington in other ways. But is it enough?
Tyler Palicia, Staff Writer
December 19, 2022

W&L launches new sustainability projects

The university is taking more steps to be carbon-neutral and reduce fossil fuel usage, while also banning the sale of single-use, plastic water bottles on campus
Jenny Hellwig, Staff Writer
December 13, 2022
Cadets march outside in front of onlookers on VMI’s campus. This year’s incoming class is composed of 375 cadets, a steep drop from the typical class size of roughly 500.

After VMI enrollment plummets, admissions tests new tactics

Virginia Military Institute is wrestling with how to recruit more students after a bruising admissions cycle
Shauna Muckle, Editor-in-Chief
December 12, 2022
The exposed ceiling on the left side of Newcomb 122 on Dec. 1. The left portion will remain exposed until the ceiling gets fully replaced over winter break.

Ceiling portions collapse in Newcomb Hall

Newcomb 122 was taken offline for days after one-third of the ceiling fell
Shauna Muckle, Editor-in-Chief
December 12, 2022
Police posted at Washington and Lees Natatorium after the bomb threat was reported Dec. 1.

Disciplinary routes unclear after bomb threats

Police began investigations at W&L and VMI after students posted anonymous threats online
Bri Hatch, Shauna Muckle, and Stef Chiguluri
December 12, 2022
Kipnes is accepting a campus safety position at a college in Rhode Island to be closer to family and friends.

W&L Public Safety director leaves after over nine years of service, remembers strong campus ties

Ethan Kipnes said W&L taught him the importance of fostering community relationships and being open-minded
Bri Hatch, Editor-in-Chief
December 12, 2022
Washington and Lees White Book, which first-years sign during orientation week each year to pledge commitment to the Honor System. The Executive Committee, which oversees honor matters, could split into two separate bodies, with one specifically dedicated to honor matters.

Executive Committee considers splitting into two separate agencies

EC members discussed separating budget allocation from Honor System role
Chas Chappell, Staff Writer
December 12, 2022
Café 77, also known as Coop, will be closed after February break for renovations. Evans Dining Hall will offer late night options to mimic the menu.

W&L’s Marketplace and Café 77 will close in February for renovations

Evans Dining Hall and expanded hours at other venues will fill the gap
Jenny Hellwig, Staff Writer
December 9, 2022
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