Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet
AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904

The GW Hatchet
Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet
All content by Makena Roberts
Visitors will be able to stroll through a garden of pink, red, coral, white and yellow roses that commemorate Marjorie Post, the gardens' original designer.

Best outdoor date spot: Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

By Makena Roberts
April 19, 2021

Student Court dismisses former SA presidential candidate’s request for a runoff

By Makena Roberts and Lauren Sforza
April 15, 2021
SBA President-elect Jordan Michel, a second-year law student, said he hopes to lead the SBA with the same “transparency and accountability”  he expects from administrators.

SBA Senate confirms new members, passes more than 10 pieces of legislation

By Makena Roberts and Lauren Sforza
April 7, 2021
Hill and Carpenter react to the SA elections results alongside campaign team members Wednesday night.

Hill elected to full term as SA president, planning to improve student inclusion in SA

By Makena Roberts
March 31, 2021
The debate for SA vice president and president were split into two different sessions Thursday.

SA presidential and vice presidential hopefuls talk pandemic, trust at virtual debate

By Makena Roberts and Lauren Sforza
March 26, 2021

Student organizations endorse 2021 SA candidates

By Makena Roberts
March 24, 2021
SA Sen. Cordelia Scales, SEAS-U and the sponsor of The Code of Academic Integrity Approval Act, said the updates clarify procedures in handling academic integrity violations “in certain situations.”

SA Senate unanimously votes in favor of updates to Code of Academic Integrity

By Makena Roberts
March 10, 2021

Student Court rules SA Senate seats reserved for SMPA, Corcoran, Trachtenberg invalid

By Makena Roberts and Clara Duhon
March 1, 2021
Zidouemba's campaign focuses on fundraising, increasing student-athlete presence in the SA and highlighting the philanthropic efforts of Greek life members.

Junior joins SA presidential race on platform to boost support for marginalized students

By Ciara Regan and Makena Roberts
March 1, 2021
Packer said in her role as the founder and chair of the LGBTQ+ Caucus, she has been working with senators to urge officials to allow transgender students to be able to live with a roommate of their choice regardless of gender.

CCAS senator announces bid for SA vice president

By Makena Roberts
February 25, 2021
Hill said the executive task forces put in place will be “essential” operations of the executive branch for the remainder of the semester.

SA Senate unanimously confirms three task forces to the executive branch

By Makena Roberts and Celeste Noraian
February 24, 2021

Hill, Carpenter announce joint campaign to seek SA’s top two spots

By Makena Roberts
February 23, 2021

Student Court sets Sunday hearing for case on CCAS students’ voting rights in SA elections

By Makena Roberts
February 23, 2021

SA Graduate Senators Caucus criticize officials’ decision not to lower graduate tuition

By Makena Roberts
February 17, 2021
SA Sen. Brandon Hill, CCAS-U, sponsored a bill Monday to create The Black Senators’ Caucus.

SA president files complaint regarding CCAS student voting rights in SA election

By Makena Roberts
February 17, 2021
Hill touted achievements related to student refunds for dropped courses and Pass/No Pass policies as part of his record of listening to student voices.

Hill becomes first candidate to begin campaign for SA president

By Samantha Serafin and Makena Roberts
February 16, 2021
In his first year, SMPA Director Silvio Waisbord's priorities have included bolstering diversity efforts and keeping the SMPA community intact virtually.

SMPA director prioritizing community, diversity efforts in first year

By Makena Roberts
February 16, 2021
Morris said she is looking forward to continue advocating for students during the remainder of the term, "in a time when students need it the most."

SA Senate approves Catherine Morris as executive vice president

By Makena Roberts
February 14, 2021

Hill nominates SA chief policy adviser to executive vice president

By Makena Roberts
February 11, 2021
Hill said he was aware that some senators began to “whip votes” and make “backdoor deals” to block Carpenter’s nomination before she had her time to present her case for the EVP position.

SA Senate rejects Hill’s nominee for executive vice president

By Makena Roberts and Lalitha Shanmugasundaram
February 9, 2021
SA Sen. Brandon Hill, CCAS-U, sponsored a bill Monday to create The Black Senators’ Caucus.

Applications for permanent SA EVP open after Hill ascends to presidency

By Makena Roberts
February 3, 2021
Brookins said several of his relationships in the SA have changed or come to "bitter ends."

Brookins resigns after allegations of sexual misconduct, mismanagement in SA branch

By Lizzie Mintz, Zach Schonfeld and Makena Roberts
January 31, 2021
Brookins condemned LeBlanc's oversight of a planned 20 percent reduction in the undergraduate population and of the strategic planning process, which were paused amid the pandemic.

SA Senate formally files impeachment charges against Brookins

By Makena Roberts
January 27, 2021
SA Sen. Thomas Falcigno, CPS-G and the chair of the governance and nominations committee, said the senate has a responsibility to “defend” the organization's reputation and rebuild trust with students and administrators.

SA Senate plans for Brookins’ impeachment, citing bylaw and constitution violations

By Makena Roberts and Nick Pasion
January 26, 2021
Over the weekend, SA President Howard Brookins has been called on to resign amid claims of sexual misconduct from a female student and allegations of creating a "negligent and careless" work environment.

Departed SA cabinet members keep quiet on exits as controversy around Brookins mounts

By Lizzie Mintz, Ciara Regan, Samantha Serafin and Makena Roberts
January 25, 2021

Student leaders call on SA president to resign amid claims of sexual misconduct

By Lizzie Mintz, Zach Schonfeld and Makena Roberts
January 23, 2021

Student Court amends bylaws, appoints member to post of deputy chief judge

By Makena Roberts
January 20, 2021

Two SA vice presidents resign, allege ‘negligent and careless’ work environment

By Makena Roberts
January 16, 2021
SA Sen. Charlene Richards, U-at-Large and a co-sponsor of the resolution, said a common thread of challenges for freshmen appeared to be accessing certain University resources because they are not aware they are available.

SA Senate requests officials work to improve ‘first-year experience’

By Makena Roberts
January 13, 2021
The JEC released an opinion during the 2019 SA election forbidding write-in candidates from submitting a photo and purpose statement, according to the bill.

SA Senate votes to allow write-in candidates to submit ballot statement for runoff elections

By Makena Roberts
December 9, 2020
The Board of Trustees approved a framework to reevaluate GW’s Colonials nickname in June after University President Thomas LeBlanc recognized multiple advocacy efforts from SA leaders.

How SA advocacy has shaped University policies over the last decade

By Makena Roberts
December 3, 2020
Falcigno said the bill allows candidates to run a joint campaign, but their names will appear separately on the voting ballots so students have the “freedom of choice” to vote for individual candidates instead of a joint ticket.

SA Senate makes updates to election procedures in advance of virtual 2021 election

By Makena Roberts
November 28, 2020
A referendum passed in the 2020 SA election approved changes to the SA constitution, like lowering the number of first-year senators in the body from five to two.

Student Court rules in favor of ridding SA constitution of first-year seats

By Makena Roberts
November 20, 2020
The task force will evaluate the body's bylaws and make changes in the spring.

SA Senate approves bill to review bylaws by spring

By Makena Roberts
November 11, 2020
The planned committee designed the summit to understand the past, “challenge” people in the present and “be bold” in the future.

Annual diversity summit to feature more than two dozen virtual events this week

By Makena Roberts
November 10, 2020

Students, staff receive free access to three major news publications

By Makena Roberts
November 6, 2020
Students approved a package of amendments to the SA constitution in the spring 2020 elections, including one that created seats specifically allocated for first-year undergraduate and graduate students.

Parties debate status of first-year SA Senate seats at Student Court public hearing

By Makena Roberts and Lalitha Shanmugasundaram
November 3, 2020

Student Court to hold public hearing on first-year SA seats and their voting rights

By Makena Roberts
October 21, 2020
Law students have not had the opportunity to speak with administrators about COVID-19 concerns in a public forum since March, Baumrin said.

SBA senators vote to host two COVID-19 town halls with law school officials before Nov. 20

By Makena Roberts
October 21, 2020
SA Sen. Lydia Abera, GWSB-U and the sponsor of the act, said the resolution is designed to hold officials accountable for phasing out single-use plastics as they announced in June.

SA Senate calls on University to eliminate use of single-use plastics by 2022

By Makena Roberts
October 21, 2020
SA Sen. Jovawn McNeil, ESIA-U and the chair of the diversity and inclusion assembly, sponsored legislation at an SA meeting in August to create and regulate identity-based caucuses under the DIA.

SA identity caucuses to create temperature reports for underrepresented groups

By Makena Roberts and David Brothers
October 18, 2020
Carpenter said “several” of her peers notified her and fellow senators of the post and asked that SA leaders apologize for placing themselves in a two-sided issue.

SA Senate asks executive branch to apologize for sharing Instagram post on world conflict

By Makena Roberts
October 7, 2020
SBA Sen. Rurik Baumrin said the resolution expresses the body's opposition to the Supreme Court nomination because this act comes during “unprecedented times.”

SBA Senate calls on law school officials to oppose Supreme Court nomination

By Makena Roberts
October 7, 2020
Student Association Sen. Thomas Falcigno, CPS-G, said the higher number of applications from graduate students this year might be linked to the absence of a graduate student tuition reduction.

SA Senate graduate seat applications hit record high

By Makena Roberts and Lauren Sforza
October 4, 2020
SA Sen. Thomas Falcigno, CPS-G, sponsored a resolution asking the SA president to rewrite a part of his executive order urging members of the GW community to stop donating to GW.

SA Senate demands LeBlanc’s resignation

By Makena Roberts
October 1, 2020
Student Association Sen. Sam Packer, CCAS-U and the caucus chair, said the group will meet at least once a month to discuss policy goals, like at least one gender-inclusive bathroom in every building on campus.

SA LGBTQ caucus to prioritize change to housing policies, create mentor program

By Makena Roberts
September 28, 2020
Student Association Sen. Sebastian Weinmann, Law-G and the caucus chair, said the SA is often seen as a space not inclusive of graduate student perspectives.

First SA graduate student caucus aims to connect students with administrators

By Makena Roberts
September 28, 2020
Fisher said the suspension of GW Law’s IT program, denial of access to library resources and lack of response from administrators toward law students about remote learning resources drove her to suspend the class campaign.

SBA Senate welcomes members, debates suspension of 2021 class gift

By Makena Roberts
September 23, 2020
Brookins said he initially was excited for LeBlanc’s hiring during his freshman year, but instances of racism and a move to end the University's fixed tuition pushed him to release the order for his resignation.

SA Senate questions Brookins on executive order for LeBlanc’s resignation

By Makena Roberts
September 23, 2020
This academic year, the Student Court issued opinions on cases dealing with graduate student representation in the SA and whether executive branch members could serve on a special senate committee.

Student Court judges overhaul rules, procedures to replace ‘vague’ guidelines

By Makena Roberts
September 20, 2020
Sen. Sebastian Weinmann, Law-G, said the graduate student caucus will try to work “specifically” with graduate umbrella organizations to connect graduate school constituencies with administrators.

SA Senate initiates LGBTQ, graduate student caucuses

By Makena Roberts
September 16, 2020
SBA Sen. Joshua Gilmer said the allocation “clearly” violates the body's rules and policies and said the SBA has received “virtually” no information regarding how their allocations came to fruition.

SBA calls on officials, SA senators to reconsider body’s budget allocation

By Makena Roberts
September 9, 2020
Students previously enrolled in Krug's classes said the incident highlights the need for greater faculty diversity in academic departments across the University.

Students say history professor who falsified Black identity ‘betrayed’ them

By Lizzie Mintz, Makena Roberts and Tiffany Garcia
September 8, 2020

Student Court dismisses complaint requesting timeline to split SA into two bodies

By Makena Roberts
September 3, 2020
SA Sen. Gabriel Young, CCAS-U, said he is “disheartened” to say there are “only” six to eight SA senators of Asian descent, which he said is not representative of the student body population.

SA Senate creates Asian Pacific Islander Desi Caucus

By Makena Roberts
September 2, 2020
Administrators said a little more than 4,700 tuition aid packages were adjusted after the 10 percent tuition cut to reflect most students' reduced costs of board.

Officials address confusion for students’ financial aid packages at virtual town halls

By Lia DeGroot and Makena Roberts
August 30, 2020
Student Association leaders say they're pushing administrators on issues like a graduate student tuition cut and Pass/No Pass classes for the fall semester in response to the unprecedented pandemic.

SA members refine fall priorities in light of online classes, ongoing pandemic

By Lizzie Mintz and Makena Roberts
August 30, 2020

SBA approves funding for student organization budgets at first meeting of academic year

By Makena Roberts
August 29, 2020

Two SA email campaigns launched to reduce student tuition and resist faculty layoffs

By Makena Roberts
August 20, 2020
Stas Gorelik, a Belarusian citizen who has studied at GW since 2016, was released after his detainment Wednesday.

Doctoral student released from detainment in Belarus after being held for about 72 hours

By Makena Roberts
August 14, 2020

Student organizations must resubmit budget requests, SA leaders say

By Makena Roberts
August 10, 2020
GW's 12 peer schools are taking similar steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic, like offering students housing and dining refunds.

Student organizations, Faculty Association sign letter of fall semester demands

By Lia DeGroot and Makena Roberts
July 27, 2020
SA Sen. Brandon Hill, CCAS-U, is running for SA executive vice president on a platform of more than 20 initiatives, like creating more student spaces and hiring an accessibility director.

SA issues survey about Pass/No Pass, aims to push policy into the fall

By Makena Roberts
July 22, 2020
Capital Bikeshare tweeted that the company's bike stations would be "offline" Sunday night as the company removed all D.C. stations from a map on its website that displays each bikeshare posting throughout the DMV.

Capital Bikeshare releases dockless electric bikes into D.C. after more than yearlong hiatus

By Makena Roberts
July 8, 2020
Imani Cheers said she is honored to step into a leadership role for the school in "such a critical time."

Officials select first-ever African American female associate director of SMPA

By Makena Roberts
July 2, 2020
Imani Cheers, an associate professor of media and public affairs and a panelist, said individuals should attempt to share resources that "empowered" them, like a podcast even if the receiving individual discounts the resource.

Panel discusses creating justice, implementing change in the workplace

By Makena Roberts
July 1, 2020

SA leaders respond to protests over police brutality, push for GWPD climate survey

By Makena Roberts
June 1, 2020

Sunrise GW releases plan for addressing racial, equity issues in organization

By Makena Roberts
May 28, 2020
Students who were enrolled in study abroad programs that were canceled say there are limited housing options back on campus.

Officials cancel fall study abroad, continue suspending non-essential international travel

By Makena Roberts
May 19, 2020
The organization held biweekly events throughout the school year focusing on the experiences of women of color.

Women of color student group works with organizations, holds events across D.C.

By Makena Roberts
May 17, 2020
Some faculty pushed back at newly announced enrollment changes, which includes an increased focus on STEM.

Building naming task force to begin drafting recommendations in June

By Makena Roberts and Tiffany Garcia
May 17, 2020
Transgender and Non-Binary Students of GW registered as a student organization last semester and has begun to host events this fall.

Organization for trans, nonbinary students helped build community, members say

By Makena Roberts and Tiffany Garcia
May 11, 2020
Participants at the meetings discussed several campus improvements, like constructing a diagonal walking path from the Milken Institute School of Public Health to the Elliott School of International Affairs, to link open spaces and buildings.

Officials host virtual workshops on plan to improve campus accessibility

By Makena Roberts and Jarrod Wardwell
May 11, 2020

Student Court releases initial objectives for upcoming academic year

By Makena Roberts
May 6, 2020
Senators unanimously approved the SA's budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year after SA leaders met for hours to review student organizations' requests.

SA Senate votes to expand freshman forgiveness policy in final meeting of term

By Makena Roberts
April 29, 2020
COVID-19 may have canceled all on-campus Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration events, but Asian American Student Association members launched a social media campaign to commemorate the month instead.

Asian and Pacific Islander student groups hold annual celebration on social media

By Makena Roberts
April 27, 2020
SA President SJ Matthews and Executive Vice President Amy Martin said forming relationships with student leaders helped them achieve some of their platform points.

SA leaders say they improved campus accessibility, health resources during term

By Makena Roberts and Lauren Sforza
April 20, 2020
A University website states that administrators plan to resume in-person classes by the fall semester.

Administrators plan to hold in-person classes this fall, website states

By Makena Roberts
April 19, 2020
The International Services Office will publish four episodes on the ISO website throughout the remainder of the semester.

International Services Office launches podcast to share stories, resources availability

By Makena Roberts
April 15, 2020
SA Sens. Howard Brookins, U-at-Large, and Brandon Hill, CCAS-U, will transition to their new roles as president and executive vice president through video meetings.

Elected SA leaders to transition into roles, begin initiatives online

By Lizzie Mintz and Makena Roberts
April 13, 2020
Board of Trustees Chair Grace Speights did not take a position on referenda calling for divestment from fossil fuels and voting student members of the Board.

Officials decline to take positions on Board of Trustees, divestment referenda

By Zach Schonfeld and Makena Roberts
April 12, 2020
SA Sen. Howard Brookins, U-at-Large, is running for SA president on a platform of addressing racial issues on campus and improving financial aid services.

Howard Brookins secures SA presidency, vows to improve financial aid office

By Makena Roberts
April 10, 2020

Law school senators pass bill on absence policy, approve charter for student newspaper

By Jared Gans and Makena Roberts
April 8, 2020

SA Senate calls for more student relief in wake of COVID-19 at first virtual meeting

By Makena Roberts
April 7, 2020
The eight candidates running for SA president and executive vice president make up the largest field students have seen in nearly a decade.

Largest number of candidates run for SA’s top positions since 2011

By Makena Roberts and Dylan Sapienza
April 6, 2020
Students will be able to rank their choices for SA president and executive vice president for the first time this week.

JEC chair talks benefits, purpose of ranked-choice voting

By Makena Roberts
April 6, 2020
Most candidates running for the SA's top two posts have called for GW to divest from fossil fuels and overhaul the financial aid office.

Addressing divestment, financial aid, racism: How top candidates’ platforms match up

By Makena Roberts and Tiffany Garcia
April 6, 2020
Check out The Hatchet's breakdown of what you need to know before the Student Association elections.

Everything you need to know before you vote this week

By Makena Roberts
April 6, 2020
Alyssa Ilaria | Graphics Editor

Fact check: Examining candidates’ platform points

By Parth Kotak and Makena Roberts
April 6, 2020

Student organizations endorse 2020 SA candidates

By Makena Roberts
April 5, 2020

Student Court dismisses SA senator’s complaint against JEC

By Makena Roberts
March 31, 2020
SA Sen. Charles Aborsidae, CCAS-U and a candidate for U-at-Large, said he is trying to set up phone calls with student organizations to talk about his platform.

SA candidates turn to online campaigning as campus shuts down

By Makena Roberts and Lauren Sforza
March 25, 2020
SA Sen. Jake Corsi, CCAS-G, alleges that a virtual election discriminates against international, low-income and rural students.

SA senator files complaint against JEC for holding virtual election

By Lizzie Mintz and Makena Roberts
March 25, 2020
SA candidates took positions on issues like financial aid and food insecurity at a two-hour-long town hall Wednesday. Alexander Welling | Assistant Photo Editor

SA hopefuls discuss campus accessibility, working with administrators at town hall

By Makena Roberts and Lauren Sforza
March 12, 2020

SA elections pushed two weeks as GW prepares to suspend in-person activities

By Makena Roberts
March 11, 2020
Michael Prather, a senior at Woodson High School, is one of 10 D.C.-area seniors to receive a full ride to GW.

LeBlanc hands out 10 full-ride annual scholarships to D.C. high school seniors

By Makena Roberts
March 10, 2020
Students who were enrolled in study abroad programs that were canceled say there are limited housing options back on campus.

Classes, housing options in flux as students return from Italy and China programs

By Ciara Regan and Makena Roberts
March 8, 2020

LeBlanc to require students, staff returning from areas hit by COVID-19 to ‘self-isolate’

By Makena Roberts
March 2, 2020

SA Senate delays vote on constitution updates, asks Board to allow SA president voting rights

By Makena Roberts and Lauren Sforza
February 27, 2020
SA candidates and their staff run to hang up posters at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning.

SA candidates fasten signs around campus on annual postering day

By Lizzie Mintz and Makena Roberts
February 25, 2020
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