The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
Since 1888
Read our coverage of BDS Kirkland sit-in and ongoing protests.
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
Read our coverage of BDS Kirkland sit-in and ongoing protests.
Rachael Perrotta

Rachael Perrotta, Former Editor-in-Chief

Rachael Perrotta ('24) is from Cranston, R.I., and is majoring in cognitive studies, communication of science and technology and political science in Peabody College. She was previously Senior Advisor and News Editor. If she's not pressing you for a comment, she's probably trying to convince you that she's over 5 feet tall, cheering on the Red Sox or wishing Nashville had a beach. She can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Rachael Perrotta
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MAY 02: Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his One Night At A Time 2024 tour at Nissan Stadium on May 02, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Morgan Wallens One Night At A Time 2024)

Almost ‘Quittin’ Time’: Saying goodbye to Nashville with Morgan Wallen

By Rachael Perrotta, Former Editor-in-Chief
19 hours ago
From left to right, Rachael Perrotta, Josh Rehders, Chancellor Diermeier, Brina Ratangee, Aaditi Lele and Jorie Fawcett, as photographed on April 25, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Julia Jordan)

Debrief with Diermeier: Examining the university’s response to the Kirkland Hall sit-in

By Jorie Fawcett, Aaditi Lele, Rachael Perrotta, Brina Ratangee and Josh Rehders
April 29, 2024
An aerial view of the future Senior Commons. (Photo courtesy of Eric Ball and Adjaye Associates)

Senior Commons project ‘underway’ with undetermined completion date

By Rachael Perrotta, Senior Advisor
April 15, 2024
Vanderbilt community members gather on Alumni Lawn to watch the eclipse on April 8, 2024. (Hustler Staff/Rachael Perrotta)

Vanderbilt community crowds campus lawns to watch near-total solar eclipse

By Rachael Perrotta, Senior Advisor
April 11, 2024
Allie Schwartz poses with her acceptance letter from Vanderbilt. (Photo courtesy of Allie Schwartz)

A steady decline: Class of 2028 regular decision admission rate drops to 3.7%, overall admission rate to 5.1%

By Rachael Perrotta, Senior Advisor
April 11, 2024
The Multicultural Community Space, as photographed on Sept. 5, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Narenkumar Thirmiya)

Nine student organizations join MLC so far this semester, Students Supporting Israel denied entry

By Rachael Perrotta, Senior Advisor
April 7, 2024
An illustration of a graduate looking on to two scenes of Vanderbilt Commencement: one on Alumni Lawn and one at Geodis Park. (Hustler Multimedia/Amanda Dai)

PERROTTA: From start to finish, the discarded class

By Rachael Perrotta, Senior Advisor
April 7, 2024
Photograph of Kirkland Hall on a sunny day with individuals lying on the lawn in front of it, as photographed on March 27, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/George Albu)

Unpacking the Student Accountability process: Next steps for suspended protestors

By Ben Arthur and Rachael Perrotta
April 2, 2024
A student is released from the Downtown Detention Center, as photographed on March 27, 2024 (Hustler Staff/Katherine Oung)

Hugs and hoarse voices: Vanderbilt Divest Coalition protesters visit detained students as they are released

By Aaditi Lele, Katherine Oung and Rachael Perrotta
March 27, 2024
Student protestors remain at steps of Kirkland Hall after sit-in broken up inside building (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders).

BREAKING: Students forced to exit Kirkland Hall, three arrested and 16 suspended

By Aaditi Lele, Katherine Oung, Rachael Perrotta and Josh Rehders
March 27, 2024
VUPD officers escorting an arrested student to a MNPD car in Kirkland Circle, as photographed on March 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

BREAKING: One student voluntarily leaves sit-in, an outside protestor detained

By Aaditi Lele, Rachael Perrotta and Parker Smith
March 26, 2024
Students protest for the BDS referendum to go to a vote, as photographed on March 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Kath Oung)

Provost C. Cybele Raver notifies Vanderbilt community about sit-in, includes video of students entering Kirkland Hall

By Rachael Perrotta, Senior Advisor
March 26, 2024
Eli Motycka, a Nashville Scene reporter gets arrested by VUPD on Vanderbilt Campus, as photographed on March 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Nashville Scene reporter arrested on campus, press denied entry to Kirkland Hall

By Aaditi Lele, Katherine Oung and Rachael Perrotta
March 26, 2024
Student protestors occupying Kirkland Hall, as photographed on Mar 26, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Divest Coalition)

Inside Kirkland Hall: Vanderbilt Divest Coalition protestors report ‘inhumane’ treatment amid student suspensions and arrest of reporter

By Aaditi Lele, Katherine Oung and Rachael Perrotta
March 26, 2024
Students protest outside Kirkland Hall for a VSG BDS amendment vote, as photographed on March 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Savannah Walske)

BREAKING: Divest Coalition protesters sit in at Kirkland Hall, at least seven suspended

By Tasfia Alam, Aaditi Lele, Katherine Oung, Rachael Perrotta and Josh Rehders
March 26, 2024
Hailey Weiner in Vanderbilt merchandise after being admitted EDII. (Photo courtesy of Hailey Weiner)

Vanderbilt early decision acceptance rate dips slightly to 15.2%

By Rachael Perrotta, Senior Advisor
February 28, 2024
Editor-in-Chief Rachael Perrotta, as photographed on Oct. 8, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Almost closing time

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
January 1, 2024
Moon hangs among silhouetted trees, as photographed on Oct. 26, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Abby Hoelscher)

Students and professors recount close calls with Dec. 9 Tennessee tornadoes

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
December 19, 2023
Accepted students pour into the Student Life Centers patio after listening to academic advising sessions, captured April 15, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Laura Vaughan)

Diversity remains focus in Vanderbilt admissions post-affirmative action and 2024 U.S. News ranking

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2023
Amari Larry, an incoming first-year, holds up her acceptance letter from Vanderbilt on Dec. 14, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Amari Larry)

First members of Class of 2028 welcomed to Vanderbilt via early decision I

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2023
Chancellor Diermeier with Hustler Managing Editor Jorie Fawcett, News Editor Brina Ratangee, Editor-in-Chief Rachael Perrotta and Deputy News Editor Jacob Stoebner (left to right), as photographed on Oct. 23, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Julia Jordan)

Debrief with Diermeier: Chancellor draws line on principled neutrality

By Rachael Perrotta, Jorie Fawcett, Brina Ratangee and Jacob Stoebner
October 30, 2023
Aerial view of Zeppos and West End, as photographed on May 1, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Isabella Bautista)

Diermeier, Raver express further ‘outrage’ about U.S. News ranking methodology in follow-up email

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
September 26, 2023
Taco Mama’s Frozen Sangrita and La Playa margaritas as photographed on April 25, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Rachael Perrotta)

The best and worst of Taco Mama’s margarita menu

By Rachael Perrotta, Zoe Abel and Parker Smith
September 22, 2023
Vanderbilt University’s Office of Financial Aid, as photographed on Aug. 2, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/ Miguel Beristain)

Vanderbilt drops to lowest U.S. News rank since 2009, university officials denounce methodology

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2023
Kirkland Hall, as photographed on Aug. 21, 2020. (Hustler Multimedia/Hunter Long)

Chancellor Diermeier, Provost Raver criticize ‘incompetent’ U.S. News ranking methodology after drop in rank

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2023
Sports Editor Andrew Wilf, Editor-in-Chief Rachael Perrotta and Wake Forest President Susan Wente on Zoom on Sept. 8, 2023. (Hustler Staff/Rachael Perrotta)

Different shades of Black and Gold: Reconnecting with Wake Forest President Susan Wente

By Rachael Perrotta and Andrew Wilf
September 9, 2023
Blair School of Music, as photographed on Oct. 8, 2020. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

BREAKING: Campus security officer accidentally leaves gun unattended in Blair bathroom

By Rachael Perrotta and Brina Ratangee
September 2, 2023
Editor-in-Chief Rachael Perrotta, as photographed on Oct. 5, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Bittersweet beginnings

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
August 23, 2023
Pathways on main campus, as photographed on Oct. 4, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Tasfia Alam)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Changes to our guest submission process

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
August 23, 2023
Construction at Kirkland Hall, as photographed on Sept. 20, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Amelia Simpson)

Kirkland Hall construction delayed, expected to be completed before end of semester

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
August 21, 2023
Rothschild College archway, as photographed on Aug. 30, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Narenkumar Thirmiya)

Rothschild Munchie Mart closes, repurposed for Center for Languages

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
August 17, 2023
Vanderbilt Undergraduate Admissions building, as captured on Sept. 30, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Lindsey Jorda)

Chancellor Diermeier ‘deeply disappointed’ in U.S. Supreme Court overturning of affirmative action

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
June 30, 2023
Kissam Munchie Mart, as photographed on January 23, 2020.

Meal plans switch to semesterly allotments, limit Munchie Mart swipes to two per day

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
June 15, 2023
Phoebe and Max cuddling, as photographed on Nov. 20, 2021. (Hustler Staff/Rachael Perrotta)

[Photo] IN PHOTOS: Hustler Pets 2023

By Jorie Fawcett, Life Editor
April 30, 2023
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier with Hustler Deputy News Editor Brina Ratangee, Editor-in-Chief Rachael Perrotta and News Editor Aaditi Lele (left to right), as photographed on April 19, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Julia Jordan)

Debrief with Diermeier: Weighing in on debates about gender-affirming care

By Rachael Perrotta, Aaditi Lele and Brina Ratangee
April 27, 2023
Shreya Ramalingam, a new member of the Class of 2027, after being admitted to Vanderbilt. (Photo courtesy of Shreya Ramalingam)

Record-low 5.6% of applicants admitted to Class of 2027, admission rates continue to decline

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
April 20, 2023
Students protest at the Tennessee Capitol on April 3, 2023.

Gov. Lee strengthens background checks, calls for red flag laws in wake of Covenant School shooting and student protests

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
April 11, 2023
A child holds his candle at the vigil, as photographed on March 29, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: As a reporter, I’m begging you to pay attention

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2023
A cross stands tall over the crowd at the vigil in honor of the Covenant School shooting, as photographed on March 29, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

IN PHOTOS: Nashville holds vigil in honor of Covenant School shooting victims

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
March 30, 2023
The scoreboard at Hawkins Field during a moment of silence held at the beginning of the Vanderbilt versus Lipscomb baseball game, as photographed on March 28, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics)

Vanderbilt and elected leaders respond to Covenant School shooting

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2023
Vanderbilt University Medical Center , captured on November 8, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Laura Vaughan)

BREAKING: Seven dead after Covenant School shooting in Green Hills

By Aaditi Lele, Katherine Oung and Rachael Perrotta
March 27, 2023
Sheryl Crow performs at the Love Rising benefit concert, as photographed on March 20, 2023. (Hustler Staff/Katherine Oung)

‘Juxtaposition of jubilance and fear’: Love Rising concert raises funds for LGBTQ+ organizations in Tennessee matched up to $100,000

By Jorie Fawcett, Rachael Perrotta and Katherine Oung
March 23, 2023
Chancellor Diermeier with Hustler interviewers, as photographed Feb. 22, 2023. (Courtesy of Julia Jordan)

Debrief with Diermeier: Campus expansions, ChatGPT, local politics and more

By Rachael Perrotta, Aaditi Lele, Jorie Fawcett and Brina Ratangee
February 27, 2023
Payne Hall, captured on Oct. 24, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Claire Gatlin)

Chancellor Diermeier calls ChatGPT-crafted response to MSU shooting ‘unfortunate,’ discusses AI in the classroom

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
February 25, 2023
Cauã Rodrigues celebrating his EDII acceptance to Vanderbilt. (Photo courtesy of Cauã Rodrigues)

Vanderbilt admits 15.7% of early decision applicants, record low

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
February 20, 2023
The Peabody Administration building, captured on Oct. 24, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Claire Gatlin)

Peabody EDI Office responds to MSU shooting with email written using ChatGPT

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2023
The courtyard adjacent to Tolman Hall, as photographed on Aug. 28, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Arianna Santiago)

Tolman Hall water temporarily suspended, students report discolored water after restoration

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2023
Promotional Graphic for MLK Commemorative Event. (Graphic courtesy of Vanderbilt University)

Journalist and author Byron Pitts headlines Vanderbilt’s 2023 MLK Commemorative Event

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
January 17, 2023
Graphic depicting the words The Vanderbilt Hustler, 22 Wrapped (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)

2022 at Vanderbilt Wrapped

By Rachael Perrotta and Aaditi Lele
January 9, 2023
Andrea Elorriaga and her family celebrating her acceptance to Vanderbilt, as photographed on Dec. 14, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Elorriaga)

‘Dream come true’: Newest Commodores react to early decision I acceptances

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2022
The now-Photography section, as photographed on Sept. 21, 2022. (Hustler Staff/Rachael Perrotta)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Introducing the Photography section

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2022
Vanderbilt football vs. South Carolina, as photographed on Nov. 5, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Arianna Santiago)

Vanderbilt community reacts to football assistant coach Dan Jackson’s backing of Ye’s recent comments

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2022
Wesley Place, as photographed on Oct. 20, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

BREAKING: Wesley Place property management prohibits outdoor, rooftop gatherings

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2022
Chancellor Diermeier with Hustler interviewers, as photographed Oct. 4, 2022. (Courtesy of Julia Jordan).

Debrief with Diermeier: the future of residential life, tailgates, VUMC and more

By Rachael Perrotta, Aaditi Lele, Katherine Oung and Zach Joseph
October 9, 2022
Belmont University, as photographed on Sept. 10, 2022. (Hustler Staff/Rachael Perotta)

[Photo] Shooting threat in Belmont University dining hall resolved, suspect at large

By Simon Rosenbaum, Staff Writer
September 29, 2022
A banner posted outside Sarratt Student Center, captured on Sept. 23, 2022.

Gov. Lee calls for investigation of VUMC transgender health clinic after accusatory social media posts

By Charlotte Mauger and Rachael Perrotta
September 23, 2022
Graphic depicting Queen Elizabeth II and the British flag. (Hustler Multimedia/Vanessa Schor)

Students react to passing of Queen Elizabeth II

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2022
headshot of Rachael Perrotta

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Starting over

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
August 25, 2022
Two Friends in concert at Marathon Music Works as photographed on January 21, 2022.

[Photo] Two Friends to headline 10th annual Lights on the Lawn

By William Yuk and Jorie Fawcett
August 5, 2022
Graphic depicting the debate around abortion access for college campuses

VSG proposes initiatives to protect Vanderbilt community’s abortion access and rights

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
July 20, 2022
A statue on campus with a mask

Vanderbilt temporarily reinstates indoor mask mandate

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
June 17, 2022
Protesters raise signs with the names of victims from recent shootings as they march in Myrtle Beach, as photographed on June 11, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

IN PHOTOS: March for our Lives protests nationwide

By Barrie Barto, Miguel Beristain, Katherine Oung, Brynn Jones, Rachael Perrotta and Duaa Faquih
June 15, 2022
Vice provost Vanessa Beasley

Vanessa Beasley named president of Trinity University, to resign June 30

By Rachael Perrotta, Editor-in-Chief
May 31, 2022
graphic showing a crowd with a flag reading Miguel should have never been invited to Rites of Spring

OUNG/PERROTTA: Miguel was accused of sexual assault in 2017. He should have never been invited to Rites of Spring.

By Katherine Oung and Rachael Perrotta
April 22, 2022
Ella Parsons and her father at an admitted students event on April 15, 2022

‘This class gives me hope’: Class of 2026 overall acceptance rate drops to 6.1%, record low

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
April 16, 2022
blue lights on on police vehicle with Vanderbilt University Police Department on it, night sky in background

[Photo] BREAKING: Bomb threat reported at Papa John’s on 24th Avenue S and West End, no threats found

By Jessica M. Barker, Editor in Chief
April 4, 2022
Memorial Gymnasium court as photographed on Feb. 17, 2021.

The strategy behind Vanderbilt’s new visual identity

By Justin Hershey and Rachael Perrotta
March 29, 2022
Vanderbilts new logo, as released on March 22, 2022.

Vanderbilt students, alumni express disappointment in university’s new ‘visual identity’

By Justin Hershey and Rachael Perrotta
March 23, 2022
A campaign sticker for the Mittal/Sasson ticket on the ground outside Rand Dining Hall

[Photo] Mittal/Sasson ticket receives 2% vote reduction, 24-hour suspension due to voter intimidation allegations

By Brina Ratangee and Aaditi Lele
March 23, 2022
Madyson Cahill with her acceptance banner

10.3% of early decision II applicants accepted to Class of 2026

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
March 20, 2022
photo of buttrick surrounded by nature

Chabad’s Rudy Rochman speaker event sparks allegations of racism, claims of antisemitism ensue

By Ekta Anand, Charlotte Mauger, Mae Monette and Rachael Perrotta
March 10, 2022
Rothschild College from the perspective of a courtyard inside the college, as photographed on March 1, 2022

A look into Rothschild College, Vanderbilt’s newest residential college

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
March 9, 2022
A student studying indoors without a mask on

University to lift mask mandate when six feet of distance can be maintained, downsizes testing program

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
February 23, 2022
Screenshot of Appendix F in the legal complaint, as taken on Feb. 16, 2022. (Hustler Staff/Rachael Perrotta)

[Photo] Students file legal complaint alleging university investment in fossil fuels violates non-profit investment obligations

By Ekta Anand, Charlotte Mauger and Brina Ratangee
February 16, 2022
Dores Divest protest

UPDATED: Chancellor Diermeier’s ties to fossil fuel industry under review after conflict of interest filing

By Jessica Barker, Charlotte Mauger and Rachael Perrotta
January 31, 2022
Peabody Administration Building

Olivia Hill settles discrimination lawsuit with Vanderbilt, ‘very pleased’ with result

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
January 28, 2022
Students eating outside at Rand, as photographed on Jan. 18, 2022. (Hustler Staff/Rachael Perrotta)

[Photo] Students and staff react to return to Campus Dining

By Nathan Miao and Brina Ratangee
January 24, 2022
Students walking on campus, as photographed on Nov. 9, 2020. (Hustler Multimedia/Emery Little)

Students receive notice of remaining balance for Spring 2022 fees in error

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
January 19, 2022
Kirkland Hall

Michael Eric Dyson slated to teach this spring amid questions about past sexual harassment allegations

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
January 8, 2022
Zeppos tower with folliage around it

Changes announced for 2022-23 housing process

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
January 7, 2022
Trees on campus, as photographed on Nov. 5, 2021

2021 in review: change as a constant

By Jessica M. Barker and Rachael Perrotta
December 31, 2021
graphic showing a female student doing work while thinking of doing other things

PERROTTA: We were on a break

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
December 26, 2021
Booster shot appointment check-in in Light Hall,

UPDATED: Students without COVID-19 booster shot to be tested routinely in Spring 2022

By Rachael Perrotta, News Editor
December 20, 2021
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The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University
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