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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

Bri Hatch, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Bri Hatch
A whiteboard with writing on it in red marker that reads: Shauna + Bri were here until 1:24 am #RTPismylife and we did not finish help us

Editorial: W&L needs to reconsider its relationship with the press

Administrators don’t respond. Students only respond after a piece is published. And us? Well, we respond with this.
Bri Hatch and Shauna Muckle
May 8, 2023
The front of the Pi Beta Phi chapter house, a building at least three stories tall with white columns and a brick first story with several columns and archways between them.

Pi Beta Phi placed on probation until 2024

One hazing report set off an investigation, an appeal and backlash
Bri Hatch and Shauna Muckle
April 11, 2023
A diploma sample in a picture frame. The diploma reads Washington and Lee University, above a wide artwork of the colonnade. The phrase Lexington, Virginia is placed under the artwork.

Confusion over diploma design highlights W&L’s turmoil with racial justice

The Board of Trustees quietly removed portraits of the university namesakes in 2022 as a response to 'Change the Name' protests
Bri Hatch, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2023
Sorority houses, red brick buildings with white columned porches, seen through trees.

Greek organizations battle hazing charges

Confidential investigations spark campus-wide rumors with no clear answers
Bri Hatch, Jenny Hellwig, and Shauna Muckle
March 13, 2023

Behind W&L’s sexual misconduct processes

Unpacking the university's reporting routes and outcomes
Bri Hatch, Jenny Hellwig, and Shauna Muckle
March 13, 2023
Vergara direct messaged one of his victims and apologized after he assaulted her Oct. 1. (Screenshots shared by victim)

First-year student arrested on sexual assault charges

One victim said she reported Ricardo Vergara, ’26, to the Title IX office in October for a separate offense of sexual assault—but he faced no disciplinary action
Bri Hatch, Jenny Hellwig, and Shauna Muckle
March 2, 2023

University vows to fight wrongful termination suit

A former fraternity house director is suing Washington and Lee for $1 million
Bri Hatch and Shauna Muckle
February 14, 2023
Selby jumps on a car hood as a bystander urges him to stop. Photo courtesy of Dec. 2, 2021 video obtained by the Phi from an anonymous source

Selby had history of “vindictive, destructive” behavior before sexual battery charge

University administration failed to protect community from Selby, even after reported incidents
Bri Hatch, Jenny Hellwig, and Shauna Muckle
February 14, 2023

UPDATE: Student charged in sexual battery case no longer enrolled at W&L

Daniel Selby, a former member of the Class of 2025, left campus by Feb. 7, sources say
Shauna Muckle, Bri Hatch, and Jenny Hellwig
February 8, 2023
A man sits in a powered wheelchair and smiles at the camera. He appears to be in a hospital.

W&L swimmer returns to campus after 2022 spinal cord injury

Devin Bateman, '25, navigates campus accessibility and celebrates reunions after months of rehabilitation
Bri Hatch, Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2023
The Lexington Police Department, a brick one story building with a white columned porch.

W&L student pleads guilty in sexual battery case

A Lexington court lowered a felony charge against Dan Selby, ’25, to a misdemeanor in a Feb. 3 trial
Bri Hatch, Shauna Muckle, and Jenny Hellwig
February 7, 2023
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
Police posted at Washington and Lee's 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
University Facilities has received six work-order requests for suspected mold in Gaines residence hall in recent weeks. But after investigating several rooms, most reported cases wound up simply being dust.

Mold rumors spread on campus despite only one confirmed case

Widespread illness on campus sparked student concern, exacerbated by Yik Yak
Bri Hatch, Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2022
Students sit on concrete stairs with grass in between, holding candles. In the background, there is a lit W&L building.

University of Virginia shooting inspires grief, evaluation of emergency protocol

Washington and Lee held a candlelight vigil in the wake of a shooting at U-Va. that left three dead and two wounded
Bri Hatch and Shauna Muckle
November 15, 2022

High faculty teaching load at Washington and Lee affects hiring and student registration

Faculty said the standard teaching load is one of multiple barriers to hiring additional professors - which also affects which courses students can take.
Angela Tu, ’24, started the petition to raise awareness for the amount of time and effort dancers put into their dance courses. Photo by Elena Lee ’25.

W&L dance students petition for P.E. credit

Balancing dance with other required P.E. courses often leads to injury
Bri Hatch
March 29, 2022
Masks are no longer required in campus buildings. Dining hall staff worked without masks this week for the first time in almost two years. Photo by Elena Lee, ’25.

W&L loosens campus masking guidelines

Masks are now only required in the health center and classes with professor-made requests
Bri Hatch
March 15, 2022

Meet Katelyn Gamble, second-fastest 60-meter runner in Division III this year

Gamble broke the W&L school record in the 60-meter race twice this weekend, earning her the top-ranking national spot
Bri Hatch
February 15, 2022

Yik Yak rumors spread concern and confusion on W&L campus

The anonymous app allows students to post misinformation without consequences, causing readers to not know what to believe
Bri Hatch
February 15, 2022
The queens interacted with their audience during the performance by climbing on top of the bar, tables, and more. Photo by Brianna Hatch, ‘23.

Devils Backbone brings drag show, LGBTQ+ representation to Lexington

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the University’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Bri Hatch
February 1, 2022
Seay won the Student Pitch Competition with GOES, and is now patent-pending for the idea. Photo courtesy of The Columns.

W&L student business idea is patent-pending

Jules Seay, ‘24, is applying for a provisional patent for the specialized greenhouses that she designed to help businesses be more sustainable
Bri Hatch
December 14, 2021
Teachers and students say they felt unsafe at school after these incidents. Photo by Brianna Hatch, ’23.

Rockbridge County High School incidents spark concerns about student safety

Parents and students are frustrated by a lack of communication and action from the school administration following reports of hate speech and a gun threat.
Bri Hatch
December 14, 2021

Holiday Pops concert aims to spread hope and the holiday spirit

Five Washington and Lee ensembles come together for two nights to perform classic holiday songs and give back to the community
Bri Hatch
December 14, 2021
The parking deck is often full, especially during weekdays. Photo by Grace Mamon, ’22.

W&L students say university parking policies are unreasonable

There is a general disconnect between Public Safety and students, some say. Public Safety just wants to give fair parking options to everyone.
Bri Hatch
October 26, 2021
W&L users of Yik Yak make annonymous comments about university culture and students. But some say this annonymity allows for more cyberbully-ing and discriminatory content, since posters face no consequences for their words. Photo by Stephanie Chiguluri, ‘24.

Yik Yak app sparks both connection and concern on W&L campus

Some students and faculty say the app breeds cyberbullying and discrimination
Bri Hatch
October 12, 2021

A hint of optimism, resurfaced

At its core, this is a congratulatory letter for all of us — who have survived through this academic year, and maybe even grown through it.
Bri Hatch
April 13, 2021

2021’s Three Day Equality Gala

Moving virtually inhibited the physical dance, but allowed for guest speakers that helped foster a sense of community.
Bri Hatch
March 19, 2021

Yelling “fight like hell” in a crowded rally

If students are consistently held to incredibly strict standards of free speech, then why isn’t the president?
Bri Hatch
March 4, 2021

An ode to self love

The real valentine we need to honor, but rarely do: ourselves.
Bri Hatch
February 16, 2021
Students raise concerns about mental health and conduct processes amid strict COVID-19 restrictions

Students raise concerns about mental health and conduct processes amid strict COVID-19 restrictions

A virtual meeting with the COVID Committee allowed students to air grievances
BRI HATCH
October 21, 2020

“Socially liberal, fiscally conservative”

A deeply contradictory and unsustainable belief system
Bri Hatch
October 7, 2020

Take time to prioritize your mental health

Bri Hatch, '23, reviews the university's mental health screening
Bri Hatch
March 17, 2020
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