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The Honor System Rift Between Undergraduates and Law Students
The Honor System Rift Between Undergraduates and Law Students

Former Executive Committee members from the two groups have held divergent and incompatible views on the institution's value and aspects.

Over the last fifteen years, Washington and Lee Law students and their Executive Committee (EC) representatives have held vastly different views on the Honor System than their undergraduate counterparts, a Spectator investigation found. 

Former EC representatives from the 2010-2025 period confirmed substantial and enduring differences between undergraduate and law school representatives in interviews with The Spectator. Additionally, both interviews and survey data confirmed that many law students are unsatisfied with the current Honor System structure. 

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The Spectator Presents: Roman Buhler
The Spectator Presents: Roman Buhler

Buhler will discuss his experience as a congressional advisor and how that has shaped his perception of government.

W&L Community Discusses Honor System’s Enforcement
W&L Community Discusses Honor System’s Enforcement

Respondents to a student poll offer dozens of potential changes to the Honor System.

W&L Community Discusses Honor System Reforms
W&L Community Discusses Honor System Reforms

Respondents to a student poll offer dozens of potential changes to the Honor System.

The Spectator Hosts Vigil Honoring Charlie Kirk
The Spectator Hosts Vigil Honoring Charlie Kirk

The Spectator, joined by over 100 community members, commemorated the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.

The Spectator Presents: Catherine Herridge
The Spectator Presents: Catherine Herridge

The award-winning investigative journalist will discuss “The State of Modern Journalism.”

W&L Students Polled on Honor System
W&L Students Polled on Honor System

Respondents to a student poll remain mostly favorable on the Honor System, but question the Single Sanction and highlight other issues.

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Our Nixonian Moment
Our Nixonian Moment

The prosecution of former FBI director James Comey is a clear and present danger to the Constitution.

The Realist Case for Palestinian Statehood
The Realist Case for Palestinian Statehood

United States national security depends on the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

What is an Honor Violation? The White Book Can’t Tell You. 
What is an Honor Violation? The White Book Can’t Tell You. 

To save the Honor System, we must reintroduce an objective foundation of morality and truth.

The Best Local Restaurants Near W&L
The Best Local Restaurants Near W&L

Lexington’s restaurant scene has a few that stand out for their price and walkability.

W&L Must Live by Its Mottos
W&L Must Live by Its Mottos

Washington and Lee’s presentation of history violates the goal of a liberal arts education.

The Best Outdoor Activities Near W&L
The Best Outdoor Activities Near W&L

Lexington and its surrounding environment offer a treasure trove of outdoor activities.

An End to Wall Street’s Greatest Loophole?
An End to Wall Street’s Greatest Loophole?

An impending tax change could affect the sought-after private equity industry.

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Introductory Note from the Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief Alex Kagan describes his goals for The Spectator.

My Russian Summer Immersion Experience
My Russian Summer Immersion Experience

My time at Middlebury College was challenging, but immensely rewarding. 

The Menace of Mandatory On-Campus Senior Housing
The Menace of Mandatory On-Campus Senior Housing

A plan for 100 additional beds poses an existential threat too close for comfort.

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Lexington Reacts to Lee’s Death
Lexington Reacts to Lee’s Death

October 12 served as the 155th anniversary of the death of Robert E. Lee.

Washington Given Command
Washington Given Command

George Washington confides in his wife about the daunting task of commanding the ragtag Continental Army.

A Presidential Defense of the Honor System
A Presidential Defense of the Honor System

Former university president challenges law professor’s censure of Honor System.

Historical Highlight: A Student Under General Lee
Historical Highlight: A Student Under General Lee

An aged alumnus looks back at the stern yet kindly leadership of President Robert E. Lee.

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Washington Takes a Ride
Washington Takes a Ride
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Alumni Congressmen Discuss the Honor System
Alumni Congressmen Discuss the Honor System

How the Honor System has shaped two alumni in the halls of Congress.

Exclusive Interview With Representative Ben Cline
Exclusive Interview With Representative Ben Cline

Cline discussed higher education in the context of the Trump administration and Charlie Kirk’s assassination. 

Interim Dean Youngman Discusses W&L’s Future
Interim Dean Youngman Discusses W&L’s Future

Paul Youngman addresses his goals as dean of the college and the future of academia.

Professor Lucas Morel on America250
Professor Lucas Morel on America250

The head of W&L’s Politics Department discusses helping to plan America’s semiquincentennial celebrations.