I considered beginning this article by apologizing to the freshman and sophomore classes. I wanted to apologize for talking about a subject that they shouldn't have to worry about for another year or two.
Upon reading the Family Foundation's blog post about their president, Victoria Cobb, receiving the Jepson School of Leadership Studies' 10th Reunion Recognition Award and the resulting student protest, my first instinct was to laugh.
At the recent forum to discuss the concern over Victoria Cobb receiving the award from Jepson, a fellow student said something to the effect of, "These comments come from the students' sadness; we don't feel safe here." This got me thinking that I really don't feel safe here.
We are often asked to reflect on how these four years have changed us; but what about the impact that we have made on the University of Richmond?
It may seem like a contradiction for someone who promotes inclusiveness and tolerance to speak out against honoring Victoria Cobb. In order to be truly inclusive, people have argued that Jepson should overlook Cobb's political and religious beliefs and be able to award her as someone who has demonstrated effective leadership for a cause she cares deeply about. Cobb has a different way of viewing the world and within her worldview, her actions are moral and ordained.
The issue that seems to be getting lost within the current dialogue is not whether Victoria Cobb and the Family Foundation have the right to speak out against LGBTQ people, abortion and an array of other issues ? because she ABSOLUTELY DOES.
This week, while President Obama announces a major change in American national security strategy, a situation halfway around the world is rapidly reaching the point of no return: The Islamic Republic of Iran is racing down the home stretch towards acquiring the nuclear weapons with which they wish to dominate the Middle East. During a recent visit to Kuwait, Secretary of State Clinton stated plainly that the United States recognizes Iran for what it is: a military dictatorship. This is a positive step for the United States, but Iran still has its apologists. Among the most prominent is Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who, between congratulating Ahmadinejad for the fraudulent electoral victory on a visit to the Islamic Republic, was able to parrot Tehran's fantastic narrative of peaceful nuclear development. What leader can allow themselves to be complicit in this fraud of a government which denies the most basic rights to its people while spending millions abroad sponsoring terrorism? Lula is not alone in either supporting Tehran's despots, or shielding the regime from international pressure.
Ah, finally the dust has begun to settle and the completion date for the highly anticipated E. Claiborne Robins Stadium is right around the corner.
"How should you treat your Gypsy?" - Me "I don't even know." - The Gypsy King The Gypsy King commissioned this article as a statement to the Birds and the Bees that there is certain etiquette that is not necessarily a well-known option in the relationship types.
I still remember one seemingly nonchalant comment made by a male high school friend one day after school when we were all sitting around playing Grand Theft Auto.
In last week's Collegian, Alex Borwick and Jeff Hunt suggested that the Jepson School's recognition of Victoria Cobb's leadership accomplishments was inappropriate in light of her political positions and professional advocacy.
Nationwide, and here at the University of Richmond, members of the class of 2010 applied to Teach For America in record numbers ? more than 46,000 applicants for this fall's incoming class of teacher corps members.
The article last week suggesting that Victoria Cobb should be denied her leadership award immediately struck me as wrong on numerous levels.
As proud Richmond students, we are disappointed with our institution's decision to award Jepson's 10th Year Reunion Recognition to Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation Virginia, a group that lobbies against homosexual rights and anti-discrimination legislation. We believe that Jepson is making a grave mistake honoring her because her views not only directly contradict the Richmond Promise, but also Jepson's mission of understanding.
This week, we witnessed President Obama's shameful treatment of the leader of one of America's closest allies.
*Note: This article is not intended to refer to criminal law, or any other type of law governing society.
There are times in everyone's lives when they have a decision to make: the decision whether to do homework or not, drink or not, sleep or not, etc.
Contrary to Emily Miller's dire warnings and cynical predictions (see 'Afroman to perform: joke's on us'), I found the Afroman concert during Pig Roast to be enjoyable and enriching.
A girl was walking down Amsterdam Avenue with an old-school Adidas duffel bag and a big hankering for a soft pretzel.
I think the time has come for me to admit one of my deep, dark secrets ... one of my all-time favorite movies just so happens to be "What Women Want." I honestly think that every man, as well as every woman, should see this movie at least twice during his or her lifetime - even if it is as a "Richmond movie," hence my suggestion to see it twice. The other reason I advise everyone to view the movie twice is the underlying message of the film.
