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Know Your Rights: It Concerns Everyone


By Bianca Campoverde, crime, safety and justice reporter

Regardless of citizenship status, all U.S. residents should understand their rights to help create a safer, more informed community. Knowing their legal protections allows individuals to protect themselves, support others, and contribute positively to society.

Student organization host Town Hall to discuss the “Death of D.E.I”

Nyles Stone, Politics Reporter

The Department of Education’s new directive eliminates race-based scholarships, initiatives and programs, raising concerns about the future of diversity around college campuses in the U.S. Black Mindedness, an organization formed to educate and discuss current events held a town hall called “The Death of D.E.I”.

What does this new directive mean for campuses around the U.S.? Dr. Brandy Faulkner, a political science professor gives us insight on this matter.

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The solar shift in the New River Valley

by Alana Powell, environment and climate reporter

With energy costs on the rise, more homeowners and businesses in the New River Valley are turning to solar power. But what’s driving this shift, and what challenges could impact its future? Experts weigh in on what this means for affordability, sustainability and the future of the region’s energy.

A taste of Asian culture at VT’s APIDA+ Center

By Caroline Herbert, Arts and Culture reporter

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Virginia Tech APIDA+ Center, students and staff experienced something uniquely special. Asian food, culture, and games created a fun way to explore Asian culture and the origins of Asian food. These events bring the Virginia Tech community together to bond over both shared and diverse backgrounds. Led by Dr. Helen Schneider, this gathering added significant cultural value to everyone involved.

The uncertain future of antidepressants

By Julia Lagano, Politics reporter

On February 13, President Donald Trump established the “Make America Healthy Again” commission, with Robert Kennedy Jr. as the lead. The goal for this committee is to promote healthy living among all Americans. Planned initiatives include cutting Medicare and Medicaid, finding solutions to childhood chronic diseases, and placing a ban on antidepressants.

Virginia Tech senior showcases his passion for nature through living art  

by Kyndall Hanson, education reporter

Virginia Tech Perspective Gallery’s first show of the year, “Leos Love Letters to Nature,” showcases the work of senior wildlife conservation student Leo Hoffman. Within Hoffman’s 10 terrariums featured, he shares his knowledge and passion for nature with the community through his detailed depictions of the world’s environments. 

The Importance of Self-Defense in a College Town

By Sophia Gerni, crime, safety and justice reporter.

Self-defense is an important skill for everyone to know, especially within a college town. While living on your own, you have to find ways to protect yourself. Whether that is learning to de-escalate from a situation or growing stronger with physical activity. Any form of self-defense can help you when a situation may arise.

Virginia Tech to continue climate action efforts following US exit from Paris Agreement

By Evan Hull, environment, climate, and sustainability reporter

Solar panels at Perry Street Parking Garage.

For a second time, the U.S. is set to exit the Paris Climate Agreement, but Virginia Tech isn’t backing down from its climate action commitments.

Why it matters: As an internationally recognized institution for environmental engineering and natural resources management, Virginia Tech plays a key role in researching sustainable practices across the globe. With President Donald Trump’s signing of the “Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements” executive order, many environmental initiatives across the country are now in limbo. 

The big picture: Virginia Tech will not stray away from its nearly 16-year-old Climate Action Commitment, but there may be some hurdles for researchers.

  • “Our impact on the environment matters to us,” said Mark Owczarski, interim vice president of communications and marketing at Virginia Tech. “It’s part of ‘Ut Prosim.’ We’re serving our community. We’re serving our students and faculty. We serve our environment because, without our environment, we can’t function.”
  • Carbon neutrality and 100% renewable electricity are among the goals Virginia Tech currently has set for its Blacksburg campus by 2030. It is one of many universities that remains in-tune with international climate initiatives.
  • “Right now, there are governors, mayors, and institutions across the U.S. saying ‘we’re still in,’ and ‘we’re going to comply with the Paris Agreement,’” said Carol Franco, senior research associate at Virginia Tech, and climate advisor to the Ministry of the Environment of the Dominican Republic.
  • While the university isn’t concerned about continuing their plans for a more sustainable campus, questions have been raised about research funding—particularly from the federal level.
  • “As faculty, we apply for funding—even departments apply for funding,” Franco said. “Having that funding will impact our availability and our capacity to do research in certain areas.”
  • Still in the early stages of Trump’s second administration, it remains unclear as to what environmental programs and projects will continue to receive federal funding.

Zoom in: While Virginia Tech is unwavering in its commitment to climate action initiatives, officials recognize that times of intense change can always be met with adaptability.

  • “The university believes that responsible stewardship of the environment is important, and that may look different from generation to generation,” Owczarski said. “The plan will continue to change, evolve, and grow over time.”
  • Virginia Tech’s Climate Action Commitment has been revised twice since initial approval in 2009.
World leaders celebrate the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement in Paris, Dec. 12, 2015. (Photo/Carol Franco)

Flashback: Over the last several years under the Biden administration and the Paris Agreement, U.S. sustainability plans closely resembled those of Virginia Tech.

  • In April 2021, Biden created a goal of reducing U.S. emissions by 50 to 52% by 2030 according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. By December 2024, the goal was changed to 61 to 66% by 2035.

What we’re watching: While Virginia Tech’s climate initiatives remain safe from federal intervention, experts from countries still in the Paris Agreement are keeping a close eye on the U.S. before they officially exit.

  • The U.S. will still be members of the agreement until January 26, 2025 according to Reuters.
  • “During the first administration of President Trump, the U.S. basically stayed on the sidelines,” Franco said, noting that United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change decisions must be made by consensus. “Now, if the idea is to stay on the sidelines, we’re going to be able to move forward. If the idea is to oppose, then we’re going to have issues.”