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New James Madison University president talks DEI, research funds in first interview
JMU’s soon-to-be President James “Jim” Schmidt will inherit a university still raw from uncertainty stemming from the federal level — including diversity, equity and inclusion cuts and changes to federal funding. Schmidt, who’s the current University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire chancellor, sat down with The Breeze to discuss JMU’s current state and the responsibilities he will take over with his title come July 1. When discussing JMU’s decision, Schmidt referenced the Feb. 14 “Dear Colleague” letter released by the Department of Education, which affirmed U.S. schools’ commitment to nondiscrimination based on race. Schmidt said this letter provided a framework for many public institutions’ decisions to dismantle their DEI divisions.
Death of Virginia Beach Autistic Boy Renews Questions About the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Schools
The week before he died, Josh Sikes had problems at school. He overturned his desk and broke a teacher’s glasses on Halloween. Amid a long behavioral episode on Oct.31, he was restricted to a “safe” or “calming” area in a classroom overseen by Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs, a regional consortium serving eight communities in Hampton Roads. What happened in that area is now the subject of multiple investigations. Josh was 11, a fourth-grader on the autism spectrum, with ADHD and an intellectual disability. He attended Pembroke Elementary School in Virginia Beach, but he was a student within a SECEP classroom, taught by special education teachers and learning among other children.
Democrats reach historic goal: A full slate in Virginia House races
For the first time in recent memory, Virginia Democrats have candidates running in all 100 House of Delegates districts — a milestone party leaders and grassroots organizers say reflects rising momentum as President Donald Trump’s second term continues to galvanize opposition. Rocco DeBellis, a 57-year-old chef, Bronx native, and Cape Charles resident, filed this week to run in House District 100, making it the final district to be contested and completing the Democrats’ full slate.
Virginia High School League ratifies transgender student participation policy
The Virginia High School League ratified its transgender student participation policy Wednesday as its executive committee meeting. The league's executive committee voted Feb. 10 to change the policy in compliance with President Donald Trump's executive order to keep transgender women from playing on women’s high school sports teams. Since the policy had already been changed, there was no vote or discussion on the changes Wednesday by the VHSL's executive committee. The new policy only affects trans girls.
Pamunkey Reservation listed as one of the nation’s most endangered historic places
Some of the highest rates of sea level rise in the country are in the Chesapeake Bay region where it’s twice the average annual global rate. Wednesday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed the Pamunkey Indian Tribe’s reservation, on a peninsula in King William County, among its eleven Most Endangered Historic Places in America.
Former VCU diversity staffers: ‘It’s hard to even process’
Trevon Straughter recounted the moment he found out his job was being eliminated. It was Friday, March 21. He was working from home and had just picked up some Southern Kitchen for lunch. Then he got the feeling that he should check his email quickly before returning to work. Straughter had been working as a program and event specialist in VCU’s Division of Inclusive Excellence, which focused on initiatives of diversity and inclusion. He saw an email from Alison Miller, Virginia Commonwealth University’s chief human resources officer, sent at 2:43 p.m. which said, “the university must follow federal and state laws regarding discrimination and perceived discrimination.”
Spanberger condemns ‘shocking’ ICE raid in Charlottesville
Abigail Spanberger, Virginia's Democratic candidate for governor, is calling out federal immigration authorities after two men were detained during a raid on a courthouse in downtown Charlottesville last month. On April 22, three plainclothes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents — one masking his face with a balaclava — entered the Albemarle County Courthouse, arrested two men and whisked them away in unmarked vehicles to a detention center in Farmville. The incident has sparked pushback from Charlottesville residents and officials alike. Now Spanberger is pushing back.
State Sen. Stella Pekarsky joins race to replace Rep. Gerry Connolly
Another Democrat is angling to potentially succeed Rep. Gerry Connolly. State Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-36) will campaign for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District seat, stating in an announcement video first shared with FFXnow that she wants to run to provide not just a voice, but also action for those “terrified and angry” about the currently Republican-led federal government.
State watchdog to audit Bon Air juvenile facility
A state watchdog agency plans a special review of Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center, the place judges send youth convicted of felonies when they think there are no less restrictive places to house them. The Office of the State Inspector General said it would review the Bon Air facility at the request of the Commission on Youth, a legislative agency that has been concerned about reports from advocates and families that the center does not have enough staff.
China no longer ‘viable’ for Smithfield Foods exports due to tariffs, executives say
President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China has made the country a nonviable export market for Smithfield Foods, CEO Shane Smith and other executives said during an April 29 conference call with shareholders to discuss the company’s first quarter financials. . . . Smith said exports to China account for roughly 3% of Foods’ sales, which totaled $14.1 billion as of Dec. 29, 2024, according to the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. “With China no longer essentially being available we’ve really had to pivot our business,” Smith told shareholders.