Newsletter AD Fall 2025
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet
Newsletter AD Fall 2025
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet
Adriana Graves Vargas

Adriana Graves Vargas, News Staffer

(she/her)

Adriana Graves Vargas is a junior communication studies major and environmental studies minor in her first semester at The State Hornet. She has interned for the San Diego Democrat Party and the Harry S. Truman Club of Greater Sacramento. She hopes to go into environmental public policy and education. In her free time, she loves to hike, figure skate and read.

All content by Adriana Graves Vargas
The SAVE Act passed the House but has stalled in the Senate. If enacted it could make it harder for people who have changed their names, including married women, to register to vote. (Graphic made in Canva by Janelle Germain)

Trump-backed SAVE Act raises concerns about women’s voting rights

The act would require Americans to show proof of citizenship before registering to vote
Adriana Graves Vargas, News Staffer
March 30, 2026
The SAVE Act, or Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, was introduced in Congress to prevent noncitizens from voting. The act would require citizens to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote, which could affect people whose names do not match their birth certificates, such as married women who took their spouse’s last name.
The California State University System announced Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 a new required Freedom of Expression training for all students. The training was supplemented at Sacramento State by a Time, Place and Manner training to explain the campus policy. (Graphic made in Canva by Adriana Graves Vargas)

Understanding free speech and time, place and manner at Sac State

With policies changing, Sac State educates students about their rights
Ray Kopf and Adriana Graves Vargas
March 12, 2026
Sac State hosted a time, place, and manner presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 25, to educate students about their rights on campus. The presentation covered the rights of students and visitors on campus, including in private and public areas. The university assigned students mandatory training on freedom of expression, As required by the CSU system.
Two Sac State students in 1967. The successful graduation of eight Black students led to the creation of the Educational Opportunity Program the year prior. (Photo courtesy of Sacramento State)

Art, activism and the first Black millionaire: How Black citizens shaped Sacramento

Exploring historical perspectives on Black contributions to Sacramento and California from past centuries
Adriana Graves Vargas, News Staffer
February 27, 2026
Sacramento has a long history of Black contributions. From the 1840s Gold Rush to present day art and activism, the Black community in Sacramento has made a difference. Explore the early history of Black Sacramentans and the community’s role in art, activism and education.
A mural in the Black Honors College study room Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. The BHC supports equal opportunity in education for all Sac State students.

Here’s how Sac State has diversified its curriculum

Faculty reflect on how curriculum has included more diverse voices during Black History month
Adriana Graves Vargas, News Staffer
February 25, 2026
Recent federal and state legislation has made it more difficult for CSU universities to maintain and teach a diverse student body. Sacramento State has worked to ensure that students see themselves represented in authors, researchers and educators.
Ballot measure sheets from several counties line a table on Sac State’s campus Feb. 11, 2026 . Several tables holding statewide ballot petitions like these have occupied areas around campus since the start of the spring semester.

Tabling petitioners on campus garner attention for ballot measures

Proposed measures include affordable housing, unions and a one-time billionaire tax.
Ray Kopf and Adriana Graves Vargas
February 19, 2026
Sacramento State community members are being asked to sign measures by several organizations, including Californians for Health Care Worker’s Right to Vote and People to People Solutions. Students have been curious about these issues and why their organizations are on campus.
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