Historical Highlight: The Friendship of Edith Bolling Wilson and F.P. Gaines
Letters from a former First Lady speak highly on one of W&L’s greatest leaders.
Historical Highlight: Teddy Roosevelt Praises Robert E. Lee
A kind commendation of General Lee by President Roosevelt during the Lee Centennial of 1907
VMI Hosts Debate on Controversial Monuments
The prompt, “Resolved: Monuments that are perceived as symbols of oppression should be removed from public spaces,” was the topic for a Braver Angels debate held in Marshall Hall at Virginia Military Institute on February 4th, 2025.
The event functioned like a parliamentary debate, with affirmative speeches and negative speeches pertaining to the topic, and the opportunity to ask questions to the speakers. Attendees ranged in backgrounds, including students, professors, and other members of the Rockbridge County community.
Conversations with Participants of Lee-Jackson Day
Participants share their opinions on the holiday and its connection to Washington and Lee University.
The Sights of Washington and Trump’s Liberty Ball
President Trump’s second inauguration was celebrated in style.
Book Review: “Longstreet: The Confederate General Who Defied the South”
UVA’s Varon expertly navigates the life and times of the enigmatic general, raising questions that tie into Washington and Lee’s history.
The Generals Redoubt Celebrates Founders’ Day at Fancy Hill
The alumni organization celebrated “one of the most significant traditions at W&L.”
Wake Forest Politics Professor Gives MLK Day Address
Melissa Harris-Perry shared her thoughts on MLK, race relations, and the 2024 election.
W&L Grapples with Central Role in Lee-Jackson Day
On Saturday, January 18, a crowd gathered in Oak Grove Cemetery for annual Lee-Jackson Day events. After giving speeches honoring the holiday’s namesakes, organizers led a wreath-laying ceremony and a parade down Lexington’s Main Street.
Lee-Jackson Day, abolished as an official state holiday in 2020, drew a crowd and law enforcement presence to Lexington’s ordinarily quiet streets.
Before the events, W&L’s Committee on Inclusiveness and Campus Climate sent a message alerting students and faculty. “Beginning on Friday, January 17, Lexington will be the site of several events commemorating the Confederacy … Many of the participants will wear Confederate Civil War regalia and will carry various flags and symbols,” the message said.
“The University does not have any connection with these events, but the symbols of the events may be displayed on public property along North Jefferson Street in front of the Memorial Gate near University Chapel, as well as elsewhere in the city, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”
Former WSJ Editor-in-Chief to Visit W&L
His talk will examine the modern Republican Party’s efforts to the global order.
Book Review: “The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self”
Professor Carl Trueman warns of the pernicious challenges posed by postmodern thought.
Behind Closed Doors: Inside SHAG’s “Sex in the Dark”
“How to initiate sex with someone you're not in a relationship with … a gradual increase in physical touch, checking the ground, and then asking directly, or giving them a wink.” This was just one of the many candid and often surprising pieces of advice offered during this year’s Sex Week at Washington and Lee University.
The event continued its tradition of engaging in often eyebrow-raising discussions around sexual health, spearheaded by the Sexual Health Awareness Group (SHAG), SPEAK, and W&L Health Promotion. One of the key events, “Sex in the Dark,” held on November 21 at 7 P.M. in Stackhouse Theater, invited students to ask any and all questions about sex — with the lights off.
Mayor Friedman Lays Out Plan for Next Term
Lexington’s mayor, fresh off an unopposed election victory, explains his vision.
Freshman EC Representative Gives Thoughts on White Book, Honor System
Yoong met with The Spectator and discussed his views about the Executive Committee.
Art History Students Read Tarot Cards, View Nude Photos
Surrealism students read Tarot cards and are shown graphic sexual images.
Vandalism at W&L’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center
On the morning of November 7, an act of vandalism was discovered in the Red House, W&L’s on-campus LGBTQ Resource Center. Spray paint-graffiti was found on an inside wall and a door.
The exact words used in the graffiti were erased, and have not been released to the public.
In an email to students, President Dudley asked the W&L community to support the “LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff whose facility was targeted in [the] incident” and stated that “there is no place for harassment, intimidation, or vandalism at Washington and Lee.”
Trump Rallies in Virginia Days Before Election
On the weekend before election day, Trump made an unexpected stop in Salem.