Wednesday, March. 4, 2026 @commonwealthtimes @theCT1
VOL. 72, NO. 7 MARCH 4, 2026 THE INDEPENDENT PRESS OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
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Virginia lawmakers skip bill reversing restrictions on campus speech, expression
A VCU Police officer shoots pepper spray at Palestinian student alumnae and protest organizer Sereen Haddad during the April 2024 encampment riot. The incident led former Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares to direct universities to implement new campus expression policies. File photo by Andrew Kerley. ANDREW KERLEY Executive Editor Virginia lawmakers last month chose to hold off on requiring universities to lessen their restrictions on student speech, expression and demonstrations on campus.
Public universities in Virginia, including VCU, created new Campus Expression and Space Utilization Policies ahead of the 2024-25 academic year. They came at the behest of former Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares following a series of pro-Palestine encampment protests that led
to over 100 arrests. VCU’s updated policy includes new rules that prevent students from protesting in certain spaces, such as the Compass, and requires them to pre-register for large gatherings. It also places restrictions on sign sizes, amplified sound, chalking and
VCU Qatar students shelter, classes moved online following Iranian missile strikes ANDREW KERLEY Executive Editor Students at the VCUarts Qatar campus have been taking shelter indoors since Saturday as Iran launches missiles at Doha, causing explosions in the gulf nation’s capital. There are no reported injuries among students, faculty or staff, according to VCU spokesperson Michael Porter. The strikes — which came after a coordinated attack on Iran by The United States and Israel — mark the second time VCUarts Qatar students have been forced to shelter this academic year. Israeli forces struck a building in Doha in September, according to a previous report by The CT. While the Education City district where VCUarts Qatar is located is not immediately adjacent to the Al Udeid Air Base where it is believed missiles were directed on Saturday, the entirety of Doha was impacted by the missile activity, debris and subsequent national safety alerts, according to Porter. A national emergency alert and shelterin-place order was enacted in Qatar on Saturday and is currently still in effect. Classes were cancelled on Sunday following a directive by the Qatari Ministr y of Education and Higher Education. Schools have temporarily
transitioned to virtual learning. VCUarts Qatar is currently operating fully remote until at least the end of the week. The campus’ building is not officially closed, but is currently empty as all administrative and academic work is being conducted remotely. No evacuations have taken place in Education City. However, the Qatar Foundation has suspended all campus activities, including the Education City Tram and all events. In a statement released on Tuesday, VCUarts Qatar dean Amir Berbić said the school is permitting a temporary, out-of-county remote work option for students, faculty and staff. The choice is available to all faculty and staff, not just American citizens. “I have spoken daily with VCU President Michael Rao, who expresses his strong support and encouragement for our community,” Berbić said. “Please know that our Richmond colleagues are standing with us and holding us in their thoughts during these difficult days.” ATTACKS ON DOHA ARE ONGOING At least 16 people were injured on Saturday after missile shrapnel landed in
multiple locations across Qatar, according to Al Jazeera. 66 missiles were fired at Qatar and authorities received 114 reports of shrapnel falling nationwide. Explosions were heard across Doha on Monday in a third consecutive day of retaliatory strikes by Iran. Qatar’s air force successfully shot down two Iranian fighter jets, per Al Jazeera’s reporting. Iranian attacks on Qatar have targeted civilian infrastructure, including the country’s international airport, its foreign ministry said. Qatar is among at least eight states that have closed their airspace, causing numerous f light delays and stranding travelers. The United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning Iranian attacks across the region and affirming their right to self-defence. Gulf countries “will take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and to protect their territories, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression,” the statement said. This story is developing. Please check commonwealthtimes.org for updates.
wearing masks to conceal one’s identity. “The First Amendment of the United States Constitution requires VCU to strike a balance, allowing the widest latitude for free expression and debate while See SPEECH BILL on page 3
Unconfirmed ICE facility in Chesterfield worries locals
The reported location of ICE’s new office space of interest in the Richmond area. Screenshot from Google Maps. SAPPHIRA MOHAMMED Copy Editor Residents are reacting to reported plans by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to lease a building for expanded operations in Chesterfield County near several minority neighborhoods and institutions of higher education. ICE’s search for off ice space in the Richmond area has been public See ICE FACILITY on page 5
Terrence Hill Jr. takes second year leap
Introducing VCU's Yaoi Yuri club
Stop trying to be ‘cool girl’
see SPORTS page 6
see SPECTRUM page 7
see OPINIONS page 14