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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

Aliya Gibbons, Opinions Editor

Aliya Gibbons, Opinions Editor

Aliya Gibbons is a junior majoring in political science with a minor in Middle East and South Asia Studies. While journalism is not her major, tracking down compelling political arguments or funny opinions is right in her wheelhouse. When she climbs her way out of the mountain of her humanities readings, she’ll be spotted playing in the University Orchestra or just roaming around campus listening to music.

All content by Aliya Gibbons
Watching election results pour in on election night.

Choosing love in Trump’s America

Days after the election, this campus is already seeing the results of what his victory means
Aliya Gibbons, Opinions Editor
November 18, 2024
Carving pumpkins is a fun fall activity, whether or not a neighborhood contest is involved.

Fall memories and traditions

College comes with the new stresses of adulthood, but we should hold on to some of our childhood joys
Aliya Gibbons, Opinions Editor
November 4, 2024
A view of University Chapel from the colonnade.

No one talks about American culture shock

Many students who study abroad know about culture shock, but there’s a shocking cultural difference right here on campus
Aliya Gibbons
October 7, 2024
W&L’s lack of student protests for Gaza  demonstrates our culture of apathy

W&L’s lack of student protests for Gaza demonstrates our culture of apathy

As tensions skyrocket on college campuses around the country, W&L remains quiet
Aliya Gibbons, Opinions Editor
May 13, 2024
Wikicommons

English, lists and the Oxford comma

The Oxford comma is the most satisfying way to write a list, but news outlets often operate under style guides that are against it
Aliya Gibbons
March 25, 2024
Having baby fever as a college student

Having baby fever as a college student

As we get older, spending time with kids can teach us more about exploration
Aliya Gibbons
March 12, 2024
Former Secretary of Defense Chris Miller.

Former defense secretary says military could operate with half its budget

Chris Miller praises and criticizes the military during his interview at W&L’s Mock Convention
Aliya Gibbons
February 14, 2024
Pre-dying wishes and human nature

Pre-dying wishes and human nature

What do you want to do before you die?
Aliya Gibbons
February 5, 2024
The rebirth of a Percy Jackson kid

The rebirth of a Percy Jackson kid

In the new Percy Jackson show, an awkward 12-year-old boy on a TV screen can awaken your inner middle-school spirit
Aliya Gibbons
January 22, 2024
American flags on the colonnade on 9/11. 
Photo by Kevin Remington

The things we forget in times of war

What does war teach us about ourselves?
Aliya Gibbons
December 11, 2023
Photo courtesy of Main Street Lexington

Two-week turnaround: Is it two weeks from hell?

Our own personal purgatory is this two-week turnaround, but maybe there are upsides
Aliya Gibbons
December 11, 2023
A Thanksgiving dinner. Photo courtesy of Depositphotos

The great Thanksgiving debate

As summer turns into fall, it is time to return to the great debate: what is the best Thanksgiving dish?
Aliya Gibbons
November 13, 2023
Opinions editor Aliya Gibbons shares her queer media recs on Netflix. Photo courtesy of Rawpixel

An incomplete list of good queer media

Good queer media can be hard to find. Here are some suggestions
Aliya Gibbons
November 6, 2023

What would Justice Powell do?

As the Supreme Court moves to strike down affirmative action, how will we foster a diverse student body?
Aliya Gibbons, Staff Writer
May 8, 2023

Banning books won’t erase modern realities

Intellectual freedom is at the bottom of the story of banned books - but bigotry and ignorance are at the center
Aliya Gibbons, Staff Writer
April 11, 2023

We have the Greens to thank for an online education

A meditation on Crash Course, an educational Youtube channel by John and Hank Green
Aliya Gibbons, Staff Writer
February 14, 2023

Human robots, robotic humans: Who’s mimicking whom?

ChatGPT is the newest AI with the ability to replicate human writing. But how human is it?
Aliya Gibbons, Staff Writer
February 7, 2023
Student engagement is necessary to meaningfully reform honor standards at Washington and Lee, Aliya Gibbons writes.

A final examination of the Honor System

There are many problems with the Honor System, but there are also many conversations on how to address them
Aliya Gibbons, Staff Writer
December 12, 2022
Washington and Lee’s Honor System is rooted in a single sanction of immediate dismissal. But as other schools reform their honor systems’ penalties, should we do the same?

The glory and the dream

The single sanction is a fundamental part of our Honor System, but is it effective?
Aliya Gibbons, Staff Writer
November 15, 2022
White paper sign that reads "The Pledge: On my honor, I have neither given nor received any unacknowledged aid on this test, paper, etc..." leaned against a chalkboard

Should we trust the Honor System?

Studies show racial bias in honor systems nationwide. Can ours be any different?
Aliya Gibbons, Staff Writer
October 26, 2022
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