Radford University experts available: school cell phone policy; Gubernatorial race
Radford, VA (08/18/2025) — Radford University professors are available to speak on the following topics:
Virginia's new bell-to-bell school cell phone policy
As students return to school in Virginia, a new policy requires them to turn off their cell phones throughout the school day. The legislation applies to all public K-12 schools in the commonwealth. Brian Kitts, Ed.D., an assistant professor in Radford University's School of Teacher Education and Leadership, says reaction to the change has been positive, and some students have expressed appreciation for eliminating the phone distraction. Kitts, a former teacher and school principal in Virginia, said schools have provided avenues for parents-student communication to remain fluid. Kitts is available to speak with media on the new bell-to-bell policy.
Email: bkitts@radford.edu
Phone: 540-831-5118
Gubernatorial race
Chapman Rackaway, professor and chair of Radford University Department of Political Science, is available this week to speak about Virginia's race for governor. Rackaway can speak about what the Winsome Earle-Sears campaign needs to do to gain and build momentum, and what the Virginia Police Benevolent Association endorsement of Abigail Spanberger means for her chances in November.
Rackaway, an expert on the U.S. president and executive branch, can also address why President Donald Trump chosen to employ the National Guard in Washington, D.C., and how the nation's capital is a testbed for broader powers over state and local governments for the president.
Rackaway's expertise include: Virginia politics, state and local politics, political parties, U.S. Congress, public opinion and polling, elections (local, state and federal), interest groups and lobbying, campaign finance, U.S. president and executive branch, American voting behavior (local, state and federal), campaign strategy and management, political communication, social media in politics, political polarization.
Email: crackaway@radford.edu
Phone: 540-831-6602
