Tyre Nichols’ Death

Hannah Sweeney Co-News Editor

to the senseless killings of Black and Brown men and women. It doesn’t hurt any less than it did before, but I just feel like it’s something that’s starting to become normalized, which sucks to say. I remember hearing about it and just immediately being so shocked and upset, not only because he was beaten senselessly and treated worse than an animal, but the fact that the offi cers who beat him looked like him.”

Villanova’s Black Student Union also issued a statement on the incident.

“The Black Student Union of Villanova University mourns the death of the late Tyre Nichols. Like many other young Black men in America, his life was sadly cut short due to hatred. Although as a community we are tired of existing in a cycle of ostracization, dehumanization, and hatred, we will continue to bring awareness to experiences like this that Black people face. We, as an organization, send our prayers and condolences to the family of Tyre Nichols as they continue to experience life without their beloved friend and family member. We are also happy to know that justice has been served to those who had a hand in Tyre’s untimely death.”

Villanova sophomore Isabella Balian echoed this statement, adding that condolences, although important, are not enough.

“Police brutality has remained to be an issue in America and it’s sickening to see it prolonging after years and eff orts of protest,” she said. “Black Americans face police brutality at a disproportionate rate to their white counterparts; they should not have to fear being brutally murdered by the people who are supposed to protect them.

“Tyre Nichols’ death once again proves that police brutality is still a relevant crime in America towards Black Americans and is disproportionately aff ecting their community. Thoughts and prayers have to go further and be reciprocated in legislation and protective measures to truly make a diff erence. The offi cers who are accountable must be held responsible for their actions. No matter race, ethnicity, or location, Americans must realize what an injustice this is to our country.”

On January 27th, Memphis Police Department released the gruesome body camera footage from the police on the scene the day of the incident. The footage was an hour long, showing graphic details from the encounter. After the footage was released, seven offi cers were suspended and fi ve are currently being charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, misconduct, oppression and other crimes.

“In regards to the video, I refuse to watch the video,” Jubilee added. “I refuse to put myself through that. Just hearing that another Black man was killed because of police brutality is already traumatizing enough. But for me to sit there and watch him scream for help and try and protect himself is more traumatizing than I can even explain.

“I think that the video is good because it helps to show that all the offi cers are guilty and they are no better than Derek Chauvin who killed George Floyd because of their skin color. It shows that they are no better than Brian Encinia who showed excessive force and straight-up abuse of power when he pulled over Sandra Bland. It shows that they are no better than the countless offi cers who have abused their power.”

What happened to Nichols was not an isolated instance for Black Americans. It has been over two years since the murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed, and grievances like this are continuing to occur.

“We sincerely hope that everyone will learn to have compassion, respect, and love for all mankind; so something like this will never happen again,” BSU said.

Senatorial Papers

Lauren Armstrong Staff Writer

decided to choose Villanova as the new home for his senatorial papers. Students and staff are thrilled, as this opens up a door of research and analysis that was not granted to those at Villanova before this donation. Patrick G. Maggitti, Villanova University Provost, is thrilled about Toomey’s donation.

“We are honored that Senator Toomey has selected Villanova University to house this notable collection,” Maggitti said. “Falvey Library is an academic hub for learning and discovery, including an exceptional collection of distinctive materials and artifacts. The addition of Senator Toomey’s papers will allow the global community of scholars critical access to these important historical documents.”

Students are equally as thrilled. Freshman political science major Marissa Bastian “is thrilled that Senator Toomey decided to donate his papers to Villanova University. As an underclassman [she is] very eager to use this as a resource during [her] time studying politics and policies at Villanova.” As happy as Villanovans are to receive these artifacts, Toomey is equally, if not more, excited to donate them to Villanova.

“It was an honor to serve as a US Senator representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Toomey said. “The materials from my time serving the Keystone State belong to Pennsylvanians. Villanova University diligently worked with me during my fi nal years in offi ce to create this archive for educational and historical purposes. It’s an honor that such a revered and respected academic institution is doing this work. Thank you to Villanova University and its staff for their tremendous eff orts.”

Alongside Bastian and Maggitti, Freshman Trisha Dineshkumar is “very excited to have these important papers and artifacts as a resource here at Villanova. It makes [her] feel very confi dent that [her] political science degree from Villanova will be backed up by amazing resources and opportunities presented to students.”

Students and faculty alike are extremely happy with the decision of Senator Toomey, and are extremely grateful for his contribution to the Falvey Library as a resource for students and the greater public to use.