Lt. Gov. Hashmi’s statewide lecture series launches at W&M

“Through the lens of literature, the substance of American thought emerges, helping us navigate our contemporary experiences,” Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi said to an audience of W&M students, faculty and staff as she began her new lecture series, which will take her to college campuses across Virginia over the next four years. 

Hashmi visited W&M’s campus on April 15 to deliver a lecture titled, “What Air is to Fire”: Factions and Our Contemporary Politics, examining modern governance through the writings of James Madison, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Part of the interdisciplinary “Literature & Government” series, Hashmi’s lectures explore how foundational American texts continue to shape political thought and institutional power. 

Hashmi said she intentionally chose W&M as the site of the lecture, citing the university’s historic and ongoing influence. “This institution holds such a unique place in this commonwealth and nation,” she said. “It continues to shape leaders in every field.” 

W&M President Katherine Rowe welcomed Hashmi, emphasizing the significance of her visit for students, particularly during the university’s Year of Civic Leadership.   

Hashmi centered her lecture on the enduring relevance of the Federalist Papers, highlighting their role not only in shaping the nation’s founding but in helping interpret today’s political climate.  

“Federalist Papers continue to resonate long past their time,” she said, urging the audience to use these texts as a lens through which to assess contemporary political conditions. More broadly, she noted that “the role and impact and scope of American writing shapes our American identity,” positioning literature as inseparable from the nation’s political development. 

Following the lecture, Hashmi answered questions submitted by audience members about Virginia’s role in the broader political landscape and iterated its relevance in shaping national conversations particularly in a contemporary moment where understanding political shifts requires examining history.

Following Hashmi's remarks, government professor Christine Nemacheck offered a response, building on the lecture’s themes and bringing them into the classroom context. Nemacheck, who teaches Intro to American Politics among other courses, focused on how individuals engage with the systems the founders designed. She spoke about the importance of compromise for the common good, noting that these foundational documents emerged from dialogue between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. 

While attendees engaged with Hashmi at the reception, Nick DeSante ’26 said the lecture’s themes were especially timely to the present. “I really think that when we’re coming up to the 250th anniversary, hearing about the importance of our constitution, government system, and especially checks and balances...is really meaningful," he said.

Student engagement surrounding the event extended beyond the lecture itself, beginning with a pre-lecture discussion that brought together approximately 20 student leaders from organizations including the Young Democrats, Young Republicans, and Student Assembly. In the smaller setting, students had the opportunity to ask questions directly and engage in more in-depth conversations with Hashmi. “I liked how it was an open forum,” Esma Akram ‘26 said. “It’s clear that she really cares about Virginia, and she has a knowledge of the history of Virginia.” She added that “it was just [nice] to get a more expansive version of a discussion.” 

Closing the lecture, Hashmi urged students to approach contemporary challenges with both historical awareness and critical thought. She also recognized the university’s role in shaping future leaders, pointing to the students in the audience as part of that trajectory. “I’m inspired by you,” Hashmi said, leaving attendees with a reminder that civic responsibility and engagement rests with them.