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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

Previous Fancy Dress themes include racist framing.

Lee’s image in Fancy Dress promotion sparked anger. It’s nothing new.

A poster featuring Robert E. Lee poses the question: What does the W&L tradition mean for an increasingly diverse student body?
Emma Malinak, Managing Editor
March 25, 2024
A photo rendering of the inside of a chapel, mostly white but with brown accents. A central arch is filled by a set back white wall.

Lexington city official approves construction of University Chapel wall blocking Lee statue

Local building inspector denied original construction plans due to safety concerns. After two years, construction will begin in June 2023
Jenny Hellwig, News Editor
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
A parade of people carrying Confederate flags down a street.

Hey W&L, your inaction is showing: Lee-Jackson Day shouldn’t be met with silence

The university cannot say it supports diversity and inclusion unless it fully opposes those crusty, decaying acolytes of the Lost Cause
Tyler Palicia, Staff Writer
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
The University Chapel, formerly named Lee Chapel, houses the Lee family crypt, photo by Lilah Kimble, ’23.

The legacy of Lee

The Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia was recently - and rightfully - removed
Georgia Bernbaum
October 12, 2021

W&L Rector says the board needs more time for Lee name change decision

The special committee has fin- ished researching, but the board still hasn’t made a decision.
Grace Mamon
February 16, 2021

Let’s talk about history

The things that no Confederate monument will ever teach us
Virginia Laurie
November 4, 2020
Lee Chapel, a central landmark on campus, will be renamed University Chapel. Photo by Grace Mamon, '22.

Board of trustees still considering whether to change school’s name

A final decision could take over six months
Grace Mamon and Elizabeth Bell
September 10, 2020
Lee Chapel is an iconic landmark on the Washington and Lee campus. Photo by Andrew Harris, ‘22.

Lee Chapel Museum serves as an educational resource during campus change

Museum examines George Washington, Robert E. Lee and institutional history. It aims to be visited more by the community
Jack Eason
November 6, 2018
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