The Spectator Editorial Staff 4/9/26 The Spectator Editorial Staff 4/9/26

Reject a Two-Tiered Honor System (Copy)

Proposed amendments to the White Book will shift responsibility for enforcing the Honor System away from elected representatives, creating two separate honor standards for law and undergraduate students.

Last week, the Executive Committee (EC) voted to approve a set of amendments to the White Book, the governing document of W&L’s Honor System. These changes would shift control of Closed Hearings away from the elected EC toward panels largely shaped by the accused students’ school.

The Spectator opposes these amendments because they would place enforcement of the Single Sanction in the hands of a body unwilling to uphold it, while undermining the principle of representative, peer-driven judgment. Furthermore, the amendment creates a two-tiered system of justice that softly bifurcates the undergraduate and Law student bodies.

The Spectator Editorial Staff 4/8/26 The Spectator Editorial Staff 4/8/26

Reject a Two-Tiered Honor System

Proposed amendments to the White Book will shift responsibility for enforcing the Honor System away from elected representatives, creating two separate honor standards for law and undergraduate students.

Last week, the Executive Committee (EC) voted to approve a set of amendments to the White Book, the governing document of W&L’s Honor System. These changes would shift control of Closed Hearings away from the elected EC toward panels largely shaped by the accused students’ school.

The Spectator opposes these amendments because they would place enforcement of the Single Sanction in the hands of a body unwilling to uphold it, while undermining the principle of representative, peer-driven judgment. Furthermore, the amendment creates a two-tiered system of justice that softly bifurcates the undergraduate and Law student bodies.

Simon Rózsa, '28 4/2/26 Simon Rózsa, '28 4/2/26

Three Candidates Compete for EC Presidency

By the end of today, John Beekman Youngblood ‘27, Stepan Onyschuk ‘27, or Zane Openshaw ‘27L will be President-Elect of the Executive Committee.

James Eustis, '27 3/27/26 James Eustis, '27 3/27/26

Is Grade Inflation a Problem?

W&L and universities nationwide question if and how to handle rising expectations and results.

Aidan McIntosh, ‘29 3/16/26 Aidan McIntosh, ‘29 3/16/26

Continued Action in Iran Preserves American Hegemony

Although Operation Epic Fury is a start, further action is needed in Iran to recapture the regional security promised by the Carter Doctrine and to gain a strategic advantage on our rivals.

James Eustis, '27 2/27/26 James Eustis, '27 2/27/26

As Endowment Underperforms, W&L Questions Investment Approach

University Investment Committee examines Makena Capital partnership and conservative investment strategy after endowment underperformance contributes to budget constraints.

Tom Rideout, '63 2/22/26 Tom Rideout, '63 2/22/26

From Omaha Beach to the Colonnade

Mr. Thomas P. Rideout ‘63 describes his recent trip to the French World War II memorial and military history in universities.

Aidan McIntosh, ‘29 2/21/26 Aidan McIntosh, ‘29 2/21/26

Court Packing: Democracy’s Dagger

A core threat to the rule of law moves in silence, and it is up to us to expose it.

Wesley Mazzucco, ‘27 2/20/26 Wesley Mazzucco, ‘27 2/20/26

Open Up “Open” Hearings

We must address the needlessly and self-defeatingly secretive process.

Iain MacLeod, '22 2/19/26 Iain MacLeod, '22 2/19/26

The Single Sanction is the Essence of the Honor System

The two institutions are inseparably linked, a reality we must acknowledge to improve the Honor System.

Akash Abraham, ‘28 2/4/26 Akash Abraham, ‘28 2/4/26

The Spectator Presents: Guy Benson

As part of The Spectator’s America 250 speaker series, Benson will discuss his experience as a professional journalist and the need for a free press in the era of America’s 250th anniversary.

Aidan McIntosh, ‘29 2/3/26 Aidan McIntosh, ‘29 2/3/26

The Spectator Presents: Jonathan Arnott

The Spectator and the College Republicans will host Jonathan Arnott, a British politician and former Member of the European Parliament

Charles Boardman, ‘28 1/27/26 Charles Boardman, ‘28 1/27/26

The Faithful Speak, the Sovereign Trembles

Moderate Catholics are one of the most consequential segments of the electorate.

James Eustis, '27 1/19/26 James Eustis, '27 1/19/26

W&L Faculty Pay Declines Relative to Peer Institutions

Washington and Lee experiences declining faculty pay compared to peer institutions, but still outperforms with cost-of-living adjustments.

Simon Rózsa, '28 12/19/25 Simon Rózsa, '28 12/19/25

Rockbridge-Area Election Candidates Discuss Their Races

Statewide race results reveal sweeping changes, but local races mostly preserve the status quo.

Aidan McIntosh, ‘29 12/18/25 Aidan McIntosh, ‘29 12/18/25

Catherine Herridge Speaks on Press Freedom and Integrity

In the face of challenges to First Amendment rights, Herridge argues that independent journalists may carry the torch for the future of press freedom.