Virginia
Are House lawmakers ghosting college students and staff over campus protest rules? • Virginia Mercury
Before the Virginia legislature’s last special session adjourned, the House of Delegates formed a committee to examine how colleges and universities statewide handle campus safety. The committee formed in the wake of a series of campus protests over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war last spring that led to the arrests of dozens of students and faculty members, and criticisms of how some institutions responded to the demonstrations.
Senate hearing over campus protests to Israel-Hamas war draws criticism from Republicans
But after five months, there has yet to be a hearing or word on when one will occur.
Zahra Jalajel, a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, said the House’s lack of action suggests that it is “supportive” of the universities’ and law enforcement’s protest response, which, in VCU’s case, included using pepper spray to clear encampments and arresting 13 people.
Jalajel described the experiences as “brutal” after watching friends and schoolmates being dragged and arrested by police, and their belongings including laptops being permanently destroyed.
“I think that by not having those conversations, it is saying that we’re not important and what occurred to us is not important to them,” said Jalajel.
Updated campus protest policies still a concern
Students, university faculty members, and organizers hoped that lawmakers’ interest would help influence how universities responded to the demonstrations and take accountability for the flurry of policy changes about public demonstrations several schools have made since the protests.. Free speech advocates have described the series of updated campus policies “unprecedented” and questioned whether they infringed on students’ First Amendment rights.
“It was violent; it was the unnecessary use of violence, and people were hurt and harmed. It didn’t have to happen that way,” said Walt Heinecke, immediate past president of the American Association of University Professors Chapter at the University of Virginia.
“I think faculty staff and students around the commonwealth are asking for some accountability about what’s been happening and what has happened since with the changes of university protest policies.”
Others hoped some legislation could also be proposed for the upcoming session starting in January, but they did not have any specific ideas.
Since the spring, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration has urged Virginia’s colleges and universities to “take proactive steps to update policies and improve communication channels before students return this fall,” according to an Aug. 8 email quoting Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera.
VCU has made changes like requiring students to have identification when covering their faces or heads, and banning encampments on campus grounds.
In Charlottesville, the University of Virginia administration has already implemented new disciplinary and protest policies “with no student input” from faculty members and students, according to an Aug. 21 letter from AAUP Chapter at UVA.
UVA president said protest outcome ‘upsetting’; professors condemn administration’s actions
Heinecke fears the longer lawmakers wait to meet, the policy changes could negatively impact students and faculty members.
He added that the policy changes at UVA would increase the punitive nature of protesting and make it “almost near to impossible for students to protest in what is normally accepted ways of protesting.”
Faculty members and students could also face harsher penalties, including termination or expulsion.
“They have made it harder to protest, they have made the consequences for protesting more severe, and they are actually squelching the First Amendment rights of students both at a psychological level and a policy level,” Heinecke said.
Legislators’ response
House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, briefly spoke with the Mercury after the first meeting was canceled. However, neither the office of Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, or Herring, both committee chairs, have responded to questions about the second cancellation.
Since Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, attacked Israel near the Gaza strip last October, killing 1,200, injuring hundreds, and taking hostages, demonstrators have called for a cease-fire and protested at five universities in Virginia last spring. In the resulting aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack, Israel declared war and over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, while nearly 100,000 were injured and the health care system in Gaza has collapsed.
The Virginia demonstrations ended with more than 125 arrests at four campuses in the commonwealth — the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia.
Since lawmakers in both chambers formed select committees in May to examine campus safety only Senate lawmakers have met, which was a contentious gathering between students, faculty members and some lawmakers.
Republicans disagreed with the hearing process, described as a “fact-finding” session, because lawmakers could not ask university leaders questions publicly. Lawmakers were urged to submit questions afterward in writing. The meeting agenda also went beyond the scope of the events, and no law enforcement agencies were directly invited to speak; instead, they were offered to comment through university leaders.
After the meeting, Capitol Police had to break up students and faculty members with opposing views. Jalajel, who identifies as a Black Palestinian, said the confrontation is an example of why Virginia’s legislature needs to get involved sooner rather than later.
“I think the climate worsens every day, and I think the sooner we have the (hearings) … maybe we’re able to make some changes before it gets worse,” Jalajel said.
A second meeting has yet to be scheduled.
Jack Leff, a recent Virginia Tech graduate arrested during the April campus protest, attempted to find more about the conversations between the House committee chairs and House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth. However, after reviewing the responses from Leff’s records request, the offices invoked their working papers exemptions and didn’t release any correspondence.
Leff, now an adjunct professor who identifies as Jewish, said it’s important for lawmakers to investigate the campus protests to ensure the First Amendment rights of everyone, including Palestinian and Jewish activists, are honored.
“Abandoning their responsibility to protect Palestinian, Jewish, and activist students is a failure to uphold First Amendment rights,” Leff said, adding that it’s truly “undemocratic not to be investigating universities more in response to these protests.”
Leff said he’s concerned about losing his position as an adjunct professor for participating in the encampment at Virginia Tech in the spring. Despite his “strong” teaching record, he said Virginia Tech failed to renew his contract as a teacher following his arrest.
Oliver Nicholson, a senior at Virginia Tech, experienced a similar issue at an encampment at the University of Virginia. Even though the court dismissed the charges against him, and Nicholson said he regained the job he lost, he is now concerned about losing his job again.
He said the House holding its hearings could help everyone understand what happened at Virginia’s universities in response to the continuing conflict.
“I think having an official institution like the Virginia Senate, like the Virginia House, record it and show ‘Hey, here’s what the encampment is about,’ here’s what students endured, here’s how safe it actually was,’ rather than whatever demonization you saw on social media, I think that’s very valuable as providing truth and clarity on the issue,” Nicolson said. “So yeah, it’s disheartening to me that so many of these meetings have been canceled or pushed back. I would like to see them reinstated.”
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
Bedford, Virginia
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Hiking the Peaks of Otter is a true Virginia treasure. It offers some of the most dramatic views in the state.
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Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is a fantastic way to take in mountain views, enjoy the winding roads, and stop at overlooks and trails along the way.
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Perched beside Abbott Lake and surrounded by mountain scenery, the Peaks of Otter Lodge offers unmatched access to the Peaks of Otter trails.
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History comes to life at the moving and meticulously designed National D-Day Memorial, which honors the lives of those who participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
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Set in a beautifully restored former train station, Liberty Station serves up a menu of elevated American classics with a Southern twist.
As someone who has lived in Virginia for more than 23 years and visited all 50 U.S. states, I keep coming back to Bedford. Despite my travels—and even stints living in other states—there’s something timeless and grounding about this town. From its stunning hiking trails and historical landmarks to its cozy restaurants and mountain views, Bedford has quietly become one of my favorite hidden gems in Virginia.
If you love hiking, diving into history, or are just seeking for a peaceful getaway with great local food, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with Bedford, too.
Best Hotels & Lodges
Visit Virginia
A lounge area inside th Peaks of Otter Lodge.
Peaks of Otter Lodge
Surrounded by nature and located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 86, Peaks of Otter Lodge is ideal for hikers and anyone craving a peaceful mountain escape. Visitors can expect lakefront views, on-site dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and access to scenic trails.
Graham Ordinary
For a more rustic escape, Graham Ordinary is a historic mountain lodge in the picturesque countryside nearby. The King Suites are thoughtfully styled to reflect the property’s cozy, mountain charm, and the quiet setting creates a true sense of retreat. For those wanting to fully immerse themselves in nature, the lodge also features several campsite options.
The Forget-Me-Not B&B
A charming bed-and-breakfast in the heart of Bedford, this lovingly restored property offers one cozy room, personal touches, a large front porch, and a tasty breakfast.
Best Things to Do
Visit Virginia
Visitors observe the The National D-Day Memorial.
Hike the Peaks of Otter.
The Peaks of Otter will always be my favorite hiking spot in Virginia. I’ve explored its trails more times than I can count and in every season—and it never loses its magic. Whether you’re hiking Sharp Top, Flat Top, or Harkening Hill, there’s a trail for every experience level.
For me, it’s about more than just the views. It’s where my husband and I went on our first date, and a year later, it’s where he proposed. I love returning to relive those memories and soak in the panoramic views of Virginia’s countryside.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Winding through the mountains just outside town, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. With its countless overlooks, peaceful picnic spots, and picture-perfect photo ops, this route offers jaw-dropping views year-round.
Take a day trip to Smith Mountain Lake.
Smith Mountain Lake, just a 35-minute drive from Bedford, is well worth the trip. Often called the Lake Tahoe of the East, it’s stunning and packed with activities. Nicole Johnson, director of tourism at Destination Bedford, highlighted that there are endless ways to experience this beautiful destination, whether it’s fishing, renting a boat for a day on the water, or hiking and camping.
Visit the National D-Day Memorial and the Bedford Boys Tribute Center.
With Bedford suffering the highest per-capita D-Day losses in the nation, the town holds a deep connection to World War II history. The powerful outdoor memorial honors the sacrifices of D-Day soldiers through moving sculptures, informative displays, and peaceful gardens. It’s both educational and emotional—an essential visit for history lovers and anyone wanting to understand Bedford’s story on a deeper level.
Johnson suggests starting at the National D-Day Memorial, then visiting the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. She explained it’s a meaningful way to learn about the personal stories of these men and the sacrifices they made for the community. “The Tribute Center features many of their personal belongings and is located in Bedford’s historic downtown,” she shared.
Spend time at local orchards.
At different times of the year, you can pick apples, berries, or peaches at local orchards in Bedford. Johnson’s Orchards and Gross Orchard are fantastic places to not only pick your own fruit, but also purchase fresh, local produce.
Best Restaurants
Bridge Street Cafe
Start your morning at Bridge Street Cafe, where locals love the bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and tasty lattes.
Town Kitchen & Provisions
Perfect for lunch, this charming sandwich shop is a hit, thanks to its flavorful bánh mì, falafel, and irresistible pies. It’s a casual spot with standout options.
Liberty Station
A Bedford staple and local favorite, Liberty Station is known for its upscale country fare. Signature dishes include prime rib, crab dip, and French onion soup. It’s a must-visit for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Virginia
View of mountains from Peaks of Otter Lodge.
While you can’t go wrong with a visit to Bedford during any season. Johnson, said, “Spring is a beautiful time to visit, with everything in bloom and vibrant shades of green spreading across the landscape. The colorful scenery set against the Peaks of Otter makes for a stunning backdrop. Late April through June is an ideal time to experience it, before the busier summer and fall seasons.”
How to Get There
Visit Virginia
A family stops at a lookout along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The nearest airport to Bedford is Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH), located about 25 minutes away. For more flight options, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is another convenient choice, just 40 minutes from town. If you’re flying into the area, plan to rent a car. Bedford’s small-town charm and surrounding sights are best explored by driving.
How to Get Around
The best way to explore Bedford is by car. While the downtown area is walkable, many of the best hiking trails, restaurants, and scenic spots require a drive. Ride-shares, like Uber and Lyft, are available, but very limited.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
LSU baseball entered Sunday with a chance to advance to Omaha with a win vs. West Virginia in Game 2. Another night of offensive firepower accomplished that goal, and the Tigers are headed back to the College World Series with a 12-5 win.
LSU was the road team in this one, taking the bats in the top of the first. The Tigers scored a run after Derek Curiel led off the game with a double, he advanced to third on a flyout by Ethan Frey, and then scored on a fielder’s choice to make it 1-0 Tigers. Anthony Eyanson was the man on the mound for LSU. He worked a scoreless first inning, and LSU gave him some run support in the top of the second.
LSU scored five runs in the top of the second inning. Steven Milam hit a three-RBI double, Jake Brown hit an RBI single, and Jared Jones hit an RBI single to increase the Tigers’ lead to 6-0.
The bats on both sides got quiet for a few innings until the bottom of the fourth inning. West Virginia scored three runs in the bottom of the inning to cut the LSU lead to 6-3. In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Mountaineers would tack on another run to cut the lead to 6-4.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Eyanson walked the first hitter he faced and was pulled from the game for Cooper Williams. Eyanson finished the night after five full innings of work. He gave up four runs on five hits, seven strikeouts, and three walks.
An error, a walk, and a hit by pitch started the top of the seventh for the Tigers and forced a pitching change by West Virginia. Chris Stanfield made the Mountaineers pay with a two-RBI single to give LSU an 8-4 lead. An error then scored Curiel to make it 9-4.
Milam hit an RBI double to score Frey and make it 10-4 Tigers. Jake Brown then hit a two-run blast to dead center to increase the lead to 12-4.
Williams remained in the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. In the bottom of the eighth inning, West Virginia scored another run on a solo homer to cut the lead to 12-5. Williams walked the next batter he faced, and he was pulled from the game.
Chase Shores would enter to pitch for the Tigers. Shores remained in the game to pitch the ninth inning, and he finished the game off and sent the Tigers to Omaha with a 12-5 victory!
With the win, LSU advances to Omaha to face off against a familiar foe, the Arkansas Razorbacks. LSU faced Arkansas during the season and took two of three from them, but anything can happen in Omaha. The date and time for that game are to be announced later.
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