PULSE News

OPINION┃SEPTEMBER 24, 2025

Racialized Violence Spreads Across American Universities. What’s Next?

BY LILLIAN ALLEN

Photo by Hector Alejandro

Sept. 10: Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.Sept. 11: Alabama State University, Hampton University, Virginia State University, Southern University and A&M College, Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University — all historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs — went into lockdowns after receiving threats. Although Spelman and Florida A&M University (FAMU) did not receive explicit threats, both universities canceled in-person classes and other campus events. At the University of Central Florida (UCF), an anonymous email threatening the lives of Black students was sent to administration, stating that they were planning “to shoot every [n-word] seen at your Orlando campus.” The threat was deemed not credible. Classes proceeded as usual.Sept. 14: Professors at Florida Atlantic University and the University of Miami were fired after comments made on personal pages regarding Kirk’s death. One post said, in part, “what was done to Charlie Kirk was done to countless Palestinian babies, children, girls, boys, women, and men … Charlie Kirk came out to say: I love this, I want more of this … As Malcolm [X] said, the chickens have come home to roost.”Sept. 15: Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old student, was found hanging from a tree at Delta State University in Mississippi. That same day, about 100 miles away in Vicksburg, Cory Zukatis, a homeless man, was also found hanging in a wooded area.…

Photo by KSL News

To ideological extremists, Kirk’s assassination provided the ammunition they needed to continue to threaten violence against marginalized groups. It also proved that they could get away with far worse.In the past week, seven HBCUs were forced into lockdowns. An anonymous email espousing disturbingly vitriolic threats against Black students was sent to UCF administration. A student was found hanged from a tree at an HBCU. There is a tangible culture of violence present in places of higher education. For some at Florida State University (FSU), it’s easy to separate Landis Green and Saturday tailgates from these overt, unchecked displays of unfathomable hatred. But this separation has not and will not protect us. After the harrowing display of gun violence FSU saw April 17, we’ve seen how political fanaticism manifests and influences isolated individuals, and our campus has experienced an irreversible violation because of it.Zionne Cummings, editor-in-chief of PULSE at FSU, spent Sept. 17 on FAMU’s campus. Professor and journalist Arionne Nettles welcomed Cummings into her office after agreeing to be interviewed. Framed prints of Octavia Butler and Marian Anderson decorate Nettles’ wall, and a photo of her family is nestled in between potted plants and Barbie dolls, two of which are modeled after Madam CJ Walker and Ida B. Wells. Sitting down, Cummings felt relieved and excited that she was able to conduct an interview at all.As of Sept. 18, professors and faculty from 14 higher-ed institutions have left or been removed from their positions because of alleged comments made about Kirk’s assassination. However, protecting democratic discourse means ensuring an environment where educators can respond rationally to distressing political events.“People are really afraid to say the wrong thing right now,” Nettles said. “I particularly, for one, have talked about these types of things my entire career … And as a Black journalist, it is our job to hold truth to power and to tell the truth […]. When I know things to be true and I’ve done the work behind it, I feel confident in saying it.”Nettles says she is grateful for the community FAMU possesses and the security they are able to offer their students. She also understands that our current climate affects the wellbeing of students and their quality of education — no matter what assurances an institution is able to offer.“During this time in your life, in college, I mean, you do have discourse, and you do learn about different people … It’s not good that you have to also worry about potential hate groups and things that can be so significant,” Nettles said.Though this danger often comes from places our administrations cannot control, there is a level of inaction that perpetuates its presence on campus.An FSU student, who will be referred to as Sarah to protect her identity, said that “there have been multiple times, even before the shooting, that I have felt unsafe on this campus because of racial remarks made to me or my fellow Black students. FSU has responded with nothing substantial.”Students should never feel unsafe in places of education. Collegiate institutions should unflinchingly protect and advocate for the livelihoods of all on campus: providing meaningful support and action for students who experience violence and threats to their wellbeing, allowing and supporting peaceful protests, and denouncing harmful ideological stances.It’s no simple thing to stand in a public space and call for change in any capacity, and it’s much easier to address inequities than it is to actually sit down and solve them. Even now, when our speech is under such intense scrutiny and censorship, the ability to speak out at all is often completely undermined. But the bravery of students like Sarah and professors like Nettles who speak truthfully about their experiences reminds us that although these battles will not be easily won, there will always be people fighting for meaningful change.

To ideological extremists, Kirk’s assassination provided the ammunition they needed to continue to threaten violence against marginalized groups. It also proved that they could get away with far worse.In the past week, seven HBCUs were forced into lockdowns. An anonymous email espousing disturbingly vitriolic threats against Black students was sent to UCF administration. A student was found hanged from a tree at an HBCU. There is a tangible culture of violence present in places of higher education. For some at Florida State University (FSU), it’s easy to separate Landis Green and Saturday tailgates from these overt, unchecked displays of unfathomable hatred. But this separation has not and will not protect us. After the harrowing display of gun violence FSU saw April 17, we’ve seen how political fanaticism manifests and influences isolated individuals, and our campus has experienced an irreversible violation because of it.Zionne Cummings, editor-in-chief of PULSE at FSU, spent Sept. 17 on FAMU’s campus. Professor and journalist Arionne Nettles welcomed Cummings into her office after agreeing to be interviewed. Framed prints of Octavia Butler and Marian Anderson decorate Nettles’ wall, and a photo of her family is nestled in between potted plants and Barbie dolls, two of which are modeled after Madam CJ Walker and Ida B. Wells. Sitting down, Cummings felt relieved and excited that she was able to conduct an interview at all.As of Sept. 18, professors and faculty from 14 higher-ed institutions have left or been removed from their positions because of alleged comments made about Kirk’s assassination. However, protecting democratic discourse means ensuring an environment where educators can respond rationally to distressing political events.“People are really afraid to say the wrong thing right now,” Nettles said. “I particularly, for one, have talked about these types of things my entire career … And as a Black journalist, it is our job to hold truth to power and to tell the truth […]. When I know things to be true and I’ve done the work behind it, I feel confident in saying it.”Nettles says she is grateful for the community FAMU possesses and the security they are able to offer their students. She also understands that our current climate affects the wellbeing of students and their quality of education — no matter what assurances an institution is able to offer.“During this time in your life, in college, I mean, you do have discourse, and you do learn about different people … It’s not good that you have to also worry about potential hate groups and things that can be so significant,” Nettles said.Though this danger often comes from places our administrations cannot control, there is a level of inaction that perpetuates its presence on campus.An FSU student, who will be referred to as Sarah to protect her identity, said that “there have been multiple times, even before the shooting, that I have felt unsafe on this campus because of racial remarks made to me or my fellow Black students. FSU has responded with nothing substantial.”Students should never feel unsafe in places of education. Collegiate institutions should unflinchingly protect and advocate for the livelihoods of all on campus: providing meaningful support and action for students who experience violence and threats to their wellbeing, allowing and supporting peaceful protests, and denouncing harmful ideological stances.It’s no simple thing to stand in a public space and call for change in any capacity, and it’s much easier to address inequities than it is to actually sit down and solve them. Even now, when our speech is under such intense scrutiny and censorship, the ability to speak out at all is often completely undermined. But the bravery of students like Sarah and professors like Nettles who speak truthfully about their experiences reminds us that although these battles will not be easily won, there will always be people fighting for meaningful change.

EDUCATION┃SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

Florida State University Hits Record High in U.S. News Rankings

BY MADDIE MEDWID

Author: Ernie Stephens Source: Westcott Photo License: Creative Commons

Florida State University (FSU) has achieved its highest ever overall placement in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, reaching No. 51 among all national universities in the 2026 ranking. FSU moved up three spots from the previous year.FSU also rose to No. 21 among public universities, securing a spot in the top 25 for the sixth consecutive year. In light of this accomplishment, FSU highlighted several areas of improvement, including a four-year graduation rate of 78%, up from 76% in 2025. The university also reported a record 97% first-year retention rate.FSU has made steady upward progress in the nationwide rankings over the past decade. In 2018, the university was ranked No. 70 nationally between both private and public universities and No. 26 among public universities. Since then, the school has consistently placed among the nation’s top 25 public institutions while narrowing the gap in overall national rankings.“Our rise in the rankings is a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty and staff,” President Richard McCullough said to FSU News. “Achieving the highest overall ranking in our university’s history reflects our commitment to academic excellence, student success and impactful research.”McCullough credited FSU’s rise to “meaningful investments in areas that directly impact students.” Over the past several years, the university has expanded tutoring and advising services, added living-learning communities for first-year students, and prioritized academic support for first-generation and low-income populations.Following these improvements, FSU climbed to No. 38 under “Top Performers on Social Mobility” among public universities in the U.S. News & World Report ranking. This metric evaluates the graduation rates of students who are financially disadvantaged and includes what efforts the school takes to ensure that students successfully complete their degree programs.FSU continues to work toward improving the student experience. Plans include further expansion of student services and investments in health and biomedical programs, including developing a new academic health center in Panama City Beach, a partnership with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.The 2026 ranking represents a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing growth. University leaders predict continued growth, academic excellence, and a stronger commitment to supporting students’ success – both on campus and beyond.

ENTERTAINMENT┃OCTOBER 8, 2025

‘An Evening with Elizabeth Gillies’ Offered Students a Look into Creative Industries

BY DANIELA SAFFON

Credit: Club Downunder

Anticipation filled the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall Sept. 30 as students waited to welcome actress and musician Elizabeth Gillies as this semester’s first guest speaker of the Golden Torch Lecture series. The sold-out event, “An Evening with Elizabeth Gillies,” offered a look into Gillies’ wide-spanning career through a moderated discussion.Gillies first broke into the entertainment industry on the Broadway show 13: The Musical. The production was Gillies’ first experience with an unpredictable industry. After just over 100 performances, the show closed its doors permanently.“It ended very abruptly because of unforeseen circumstances, which we see again and again. We just saw a big strike and the pandemic,” Gillies said during the lecture. “It just teaches you that nothing is permanent, and you have to just live in the moment and be thankful for work when you can get it and never expect that there’s going to be more work.”However, 14 months later, Gillies was launched to stardom after being cast as Jade West on the Nickelodeon show Victorious. The show became incredibly popular, winning multiple Kids’ Choice Awards, garnering four Emmy nominations and developing a strong fan base. Many students, such as freshman Francesca Muscarella, grew up watching Gillies on their screens. Muscarella described Gillies as her childhood idol.“I loved watching her growing up. I wanted to be a child actress myself, so I really looked up to her,” Muscarella said.While on Victorious, Gillies performed several songs, including her first platinum-certified track “Take a Hint,” and experimented with songwriting with “You Don’t Know Me.” On set, she carefully watched the directors and sat in editing rooms, learning as much as she could about the industry. During her talk, she emphasised the importance of being a well-rounded artist.“Even if you’re just acting, learn about editing, learn about lighting, shadow directors, write things for yourself,” Gillies said. “The more control you have, the more knowledge you have, the more of a power player you will be and the more respected you will be.”After Victorious ended, Gillies went on to play Fallon Carrington in the CW reboot of Dynasty, where she finally got the opportunity to sit in the director’s chair. She made her much-anticipated return to the stage earlier this year for an Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors with Milo Manheim.Throughout the evening, Gillies discussed the film industry's destabilization due to generative artificial intelligence (AI), specifically mentioning the AI bot Tilly Norwood.“I didn’t know about the [implications on] acting, so I think it’s pretty important to have people who advocate in all aspects,” freshman Sofia Arango said. “If I didn’t know about this, imagine how many kinds of fields are being threatened.”Muscarella echoed this sentiment, saying, “This event definitely brought to the attention of a lot of people that AI isn't just affecting the traditional fields like business and medical.”Students also praised the school for hosting events that highlight the fine arts on campus.“We have a really well-recognized, on the national-level, theater school, and supporting our students through performers that come or, even potentially in the future, other professions, would be a great support to our up-and-coming students,” said Costume Technology graduate student Cypress Bowen.As they made their way out of the theater, many students excitedly expressed their gratitude for this opportunity. With FSU being a school that has a strong focus on theater and fine arts, students might find events like these vital in their journeys to become more well-rounded and informed people and future employees.

CULTURE┃OCTOBER 15, 2025

Askew Student Life Center Celebrates 25 Years at FSU

BY LILLIAN ALLEN

Credit: Tony Molina

On Oct. 13, the Askew Student Life Center (ASLC) was decorated with piñatas, streamers, and confetti to celebrate 25 years of operation at Florida State University (FSU). Students and staff were invited to participate in scavenger hunts and other interactive activities.Since opening its doors in 2000, the ASLC has become a cultural center and hub for student engagement. In addition to a gaming center, paint-your-pot studio, and movie theater, the ASLC hosts weekly open committee meetings where students can participate in various programming events. For many, it’s an inclusive space to connect with others, unwind, and immerse themselves in campus life.Ryan Walker, a transfer student majoring in business management, said, “This is kind of my first year here, it’s a new experience. I’m trying to come to events more often and make friends through the ASLC.”In the past, the ASLC has partnered with a wide variety of campus organizations to host events, including the Pride Student Union, Center for Global Engagement, and FSU’s Spoonbill Society. Christine Hansen, the ASLC's program director, commented on the center’s commitment to improving campus community.“This is a place truly for everyone. At least one point in the year, every year, we have an event for everyone on campus,” Hansen said.
As the ASLC enters its 26 year at FSU, its mission remains to provide students with a place to connect with each other and campus. Through its expansive involvement opportunities, campus collaboration, and daily events, the ASLC stands as a lasting and impactful testament to the power of community and student innovation.

HEALTH┃OCTOBER 15, 2025

WSU & BSU Events Shine a Spotlight on Breast Cancer Awareness

BY MADDIE MEDWID

Credit: Hanna Remtulla

From Oct. 6 to Oct. 11, Florida State University’s (FSU) Women’s Student Union (WSU) and Black Student Union (BSU) aimed to promote awareness as they came together to host a week of events dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.For the WSU’s programming director Jade Jacotin, the week’s events held personal significance.“As someone who has been personally impacted by breast cancer, I can confidently say that I decided to push the events because 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. Black women have a 40% mortality of the women who are diagnosed, which is the highest of any other ethnic race,” Jacotin said.Building on their commitment to advocacy and education, the organizers also sought to create tangible ways for students to contribute to the cause. Throughout the entire week, a donation drive drop-off allowed students to donate comfort, hygiene, or wellness items at the BSU House or WSU Office. Items included gentle soaps or body wash, warm socks or slippers, and reusable water bottles. The drive raised awareness by informing participants about common needs or ways to support women during treatment and recovery, a goal that organizers say depends on community involvement.“I think it’s really important we learn as a group and recognize these issues as a group, especially because there needs to be large changes for breast cancer awareness,” said Emma Brown, assistant director of WSU. “Women’s health needs to be seen as a priority, so it’s one of those things that is only going to happen when there is a community component to it.”Tuesday’s event featured “Survivor Spotlight,” highlighting the voices of breast cancer survivors, including LaQuisha Persak. Persak is a double FSU alumna, formerly serving as a senior admissions officer and as the assistant director of the Office of Admissions. She received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Applied American Politics and Policy. Now, Persak serves as a BSU Liaison on behalf of the FSU National Black Alumni.Diagnosed with breast cancer in Jan. 2021, Persak said the experience taught her that the disease can affect anyone, regardless of age. Her message to students? “You are your best advocate.”She emphasized the importance of seeking both health and community resources on campus, encouraging students to take proactive steps for their well-beings. Taking this initiative will significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. Even if nothing is wrong, Persak concludes that it will ensure peace of mind and prevent unnecessary stress.The next event was held Wednesday, Oct. 8, where the BSU and WSU hosted the Breast Cancer Awareness Block Party at the BSU House from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Participants were encouraged to wear pink while attending the event.Jason Demetrius, a member of the Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students, said, “Our organization wanted to show people that we care about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and that we care about all these different issues and diseases that are happening in our society today.”The event, which received over 300 attendees, featured music, dancing, games, and Gurlie’s Lemonade & Sweets food truck. Various tables were set up to educate attendees about breast cancer and personal health practices. The tables showed students how to conduct a self-breast exam, quizzed students about breast cancer facts, and allowed students to write inspiring messages to those battling breast cancer.Jacotin stresses the significance of the event’s educational prospects, “Sometimes we tend to not talk about these things because they might make people uncomfortable. I feel like the more awareness and the more we make these conversations easier to talk about, we’ll be able to get to a point where we’ll be able to exchange resources and impact more people and more people.”These efforts aim to create a more informed and supportive campus community, where students feel empowered to discuss breast health openly while being able to share helpful resources.The final event, an introductory level pilates class, “Pilates for Purpose,” was held Thursday, Oct. 9 in the Student Union at 5:30 p.m. Senior Ava Nissensohn led the event. The class demonstrated how physical wellness ties into overall health and breast cancer prevention, emphasizing the importance of movement and mindfulness.

Credit: Hanna Remtulla

Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Nissensohn said, “I think it’s so important for all areas of health. Exercise can reduce the likelihood of someone getting breast cancer by 10-20%, so pilates is an awesome form of exercise that is super accessible and can be done anywhere.”Through awareness, advocacy, and community, the WSU and BSU fostered a supportive environment where students could learn, connect, and take action, raising over $1,750 worth of donations. The week served as a reminder that collective efforts have the power to create meaningful change in the fight against breast cancer.

CULTURE┃OCTOBER 24, 2025

FSU’s Asian American Student Union Holds Sixth Annual 850 Night Market

BY Amy Arredondo

Credit: Suhani Sharma

On Oct. 17, Florida State University (FSU)’s Asian American Student Union (AASU) collaborated with Club Downunder (CDU) to hold their sixth annual 850 Night Market on the Union Green. The event included tables run by various affiliates, local Asian vendors, and performances by FSU students and community members.The 850 Night Market aims to provide fundraising opportunities for the AASU’s affiliates and increase membership within the organization.Geetanjali Srivastava, a junior serving as the current Director of the AASU, said, “This is always a fundraising opportunity for our affiliates to help get them started during the school year so they can put on their banquets and their events.”Since its founding in 1996, the AASU’s mission is to provide a community for Asian American students who attend FSU. The organization maintains strong relationships with several affiliates, such as the Filipino Student Association (FSA), the Korean American Student Association (KASA), and the South Asian Student Association (SASA).Kasey Casiple, a junior currently serving as President of the FSA, said, “ … We have connections with … UDFA, which is like the bigger Filipino community in Tallahassee. And so we’re able to tell people about it if they want to get more involved … This is a great event for affiliates to do.”

Credit: Suhani Sharma

Aside from being a space for fundraising and creativity, the 850 Night Market also works to increase the feeling of community amongst Asian American students at FSU.When asked about the impact of the event, senior Kei Chance said, “I think events like this bring us together and give us more reach … 850 [Night Market] isn't just about the Asian community, it's about spreading Asian awareness.”Recounting his sentiments of the event, senior Sawyer Poulsen said, “ So being able to have an event to bring us all together, I think fosters community and a sense of belonging.”In addition to tables highlighting affiliates and local vendors, the 850 Night Market included several performances from students and community members, providing a space for them to express themselves.Commenting on the growth of the event, performer Anitta Minette said, “My first ever drag performance was right here four years ago. And every year I've come back, I just love how it's just as big, if not bigger, every time.”With the end of this year’s 850 Night Market, the AASU aims to improve the event with each passing year. Through its fundraising opportunities and spotlight on small Asian businesses and performances, the 850 Night Market showcases the power of collaboration through community.

HEALTH┃NOVEMBER 6, 2025

Students Voice Concerns over Florida Vaccine Mandate Removal

BY Daniela Saffon

Credit: Daniel Vorndran

On Sept. 3, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced that the Florida Department of Health would be working directly with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ office to “end all vaccine mandates” in an effort to uphold medical freedom.“What you put into your body is because of your relationship with your body and your god. I don’t have that right, the government does not have that right,” Ladapo said during the announcement.This reversal marks the removal of a decades-long immunization mandate for school-aged children against deadly diseases like hepatitis B and chickenpox. The tetanus, measles, and rubella vaccines, among others, remain protected under state legislation. With this initiative, Florida becomes the first state to attempt a vaccine mandate removal. It is predicted that many states will follow in the coming months.A big worry that many elementary education students at Florida State University (FSU) are facing following this decision is how it might impact people looking to go into the education field.“It’s so scary on so many different levels. As someone who wants to be a teacher, that’s just horrifying to think about. Obviously it's never the student’s fault, but that stuff just transfers so fast,” first-year elementary education major Riley Houser said. “Vaccines are just one more thing that teachers have to worry about, it’s just so ridiculous. Of all people to target right now, it’s going to be teachers.”While the vaccine removal is only effective for K-12 students, college campuses throughout Florida will feel its effects. University of Florida (UF) Health, where Ladapo serves as a professor, issued a statement against the decision.“[Vaccines] are proven to be safe, effective, and essential in preventing the spread of many serious infectious diseases,” the statement read.FSU has not released a statement about this decision, and students are still required to to be immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella to attend. Additionally, University Health Services “strongly encourages” students to be immunized against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B.Schleiden Saint-Jean, president of the Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students at FSU, voiced his concern at the Florida Department of Health’s decision.“It’s a little risky to just say that you wouldn’t want to make vaccines mandatory, especially with all the scientific evidence that proves that they can help minimize the spread of diseases,” Saint-Jean said. “I know we want to give people freedom, but some things are a little more important, like just making sure people are safe in public.”Saint-Jean also worries how loosening vaccine requirements will impact such a large campus.“We are a very big campus with a lot of kids who come from very diverse backgrounds, and not everyone has the same immunity. We’re going to be introducing diseases that someone else might’ve never seen in their hometown,” he said.Houser echoes this sentiment, saying, “It’s just going to make going to classes so much more dangerous for everyone. I don’t think what we need right now is less college enrollment rates.”Despite the Surgeon General’s announcement occurring two months ago, the future of the vaccine mandate reversal is still unclear. The plan is set to go into effect 90 days after the Sept. 3 press conference, but the state of many vaccine mandates that are legally protected remain up in the air.