Mount Hood

Change is coming

Natalie Dean | Freelancer

The 2018 Womxn’s March took place on Jan. 21 in the heart of Salem with the area surrounded by all walks of life. There were men, women, children and dogs pressed close together to support women’s rights and have a frank conversation of the continuous oppression of minority groups.

The choice to name it the Womxn’s March was a conscious one. After the 2017 Women’s March, many community members felt that it wasn’t inclusive to minority groups. By renaming it the Womxn’s March, it encompasses the full spectrum of women everywhere; those who identify as queer women, trans women and women of color.

The men that participated stood in support of their sisters, mothers, wives and daughters who have faced oppression. Signs were held by many, sending direct messages to those in power. Some reading, “Listen to me as I stand,” and “Beware; for I am fearless and therefore powerful.” There were little girls with their own homemade signs, some dressed as the Statue of Liberty, Rosie the Riveter and Wonder Woman.

Sophomore Jamie Norr was among the hundreds marching in Salem. “The Womxn’s March this weekend was humbling,” Norr reflected. “There were so many people who just wanted peace and equality and it was amazing to be a part of something so positive and impactful …  In our country’s current state, women, people of color, the LGBTQA+ community, and so many others are discriminated against and having our voice out there, loud and proud, is the only way to end all this hate.”

During the event, emcee LeAnna Thornton asked everyone in the crowd to participate in an exercise. She spoke, “There’s a lot of hurt and shame and guilt around sexual assault. We’re asking everyone to raise their hands if you can say, ‘me too.’ And to look around at the faces of those who have experienced an assault or harassment, and to not be ashamed. To let the guilt, and the pain, let it go. Work through it. Heal.”

Then, with knitted pink hats and signs in hand, they marched.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Photo by: OPB.com

What is Measure 101?

wweek.com

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Oregon Measure 101, Healthcare Insurance Premiums Tax for Medicaid Referendum, is on the ballot for the special election on Jan. 23, 2018. The measure addresses taxes on hospitals and insurance companies to fund Medicaid, which provides healthcare coverage to 1 in 4 Oregonians.

 

Arguments in support of Measure 101

  • Taxes imposed on insurance companies and hospitals would provide funding for healthcare for low-income individuals and families.
  • The Measure will stabilize insurance premiums purchased by individuals and families.
  • Over 1 million Oregonians benefit from the Oregon Health Plan.
  • All Oregonians will have access to mental health care.
  • A “no” vote would require budget cuts to be made in other areas of the state budget.

 

Arguments in opposition of Measure 101

  • Measure 101 will impose a tax on student health plans.
  • Middle-class families that don’t qualify for government-funded health plans will pay an increased healthcare tax.
  • Oregon school districts will pay $25 million for healthcare taxes.
  • Medicaid provides healthcare to immigrant children illegally residing in Oregon.
  • Increased taxes will affect small businesses more than insurance companies.

 

Visit oregon.gov for more information.

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Curiosity is your compass

njcu.edu

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

For those interested in traveling across North America, gaining a different perspective on the world and creating lasting memories, all of this and more can be accomplished through the National Student Exchange program.

The National Student Exchange is an opportunity for Western students to study away at one of the 180 universities also participating in the program. Qualified individuals can spend up to a year at an out-of-state university while paying Western tuition rates and earning credits that count towards degree completion at Western.

In addition to participating universities in the fifty states, United States territories such as Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are also a destination option for students. Study abroad to Canada goes through the National Student Exchange program as well.

Debbie Diehm, National Student Exchange Coordinator, commented on the numerous opportunities available for students, “North America is a big continent,” Diehm remarked. “There are opportunities to go to an urban setting, maybe an NCAA Division I university, a doctoral-granting university or a university that’s smaller than we are, located in Nova Scotia, Canada, and has a very Scottish feel to it … There are so many amazing people and places out there.”

Students must meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the National Student Exchange. This includes at least a 2.5 GPA, good academic standing and having completed at least one academic term before applying for the program.

This program is a low-cost opportunity for students to travel and experience new locations while progressing toward their degree. Students will work with the program coordinator and their academic advisor before departing to determine how the credits acquired during the exchange will meet Western degree requirements.

Stephanie Magee, sophomore art major, is currently attending New Jersey City University as part of the National Student Exchange. “I chose NSE because I wanted to explore the east coast and some possible masters programs,” Magee explained. “My exchange university is about an hour by train to the heart of Manhattan … I’ve met people from all over the world, from Korea to Cypress. If I could put into words how great this program is, I would.”

When asked why this program is important, Diehm replied, “Experiences like National Student Exchange, studying away, give you a perspective of something different. Whether it’s weather, geography or culture … Looking outside of where you grew up and experiencing something different, even for a short period of time immersed in a university setting somewhere, there are skills that you can articulate on a resume that show you have a broader perspective … And that’s another opportunity that Western provides for our students.”

Applications for the 2018-2019 program are due on Feb. 15.

For questions about the National Student Exchange, contact Debbie Diehm at diehmd@wou.edu or visit the information session on Jan. 17 at 3:30 in the Ochoco room of the Werner University Center.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

New club aspires for inclusivity

Paul F. Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Western offers over 60 clubs and organizations that students can choose to be involved in. These clubs are created and led by students to enrich the college experience. The newest organization on campus is the Western Oregon University Democrats club, whose purpose is to give all students a place to express their political views and raise awareness of political issues at the local, state and national levels.

After transferring to Western from Chemeketa Community College, senior political science major Steve Bell hoped to find a Democrats organization on campus.

“I noticed that there was a very strong Republican club,” Bell noted. “There’s also a really nice foundation of students that want to get involved that don’t have that outlet, if they have more of a Democrat minded perspective.”

Bell decided to take matters into his own hands and begin the process of starting an organization on campus. Collaborating with political science majors Rubi Tapia and Cristian Urzua, the students founded the club as a project for a civic engagement class. All three individuals have a background in political science, including internships with elected officials and student government positions.

When asked why this club is important, Urzua replied, “I feel like the club comes in handy in allowing students of any view to join in and speak their minds and get engaged on campus. That is part of the college experience.”

According to OrgSync, the purpose of the organization is to promote the principles of the Democratic Party, assist in the functioning of the Democratic Party at all levels of government and help its members develop political and leadership skills.

The club, which meets Fridays at 1 p.m. in the Rogue room of the Werner University Center, is an open space for everyone to share opinions and ideas.

“We are not exclusively just Democrats,” Urzua emphasized. “We accept every different political view. We’re open to deliberation, discussion and debate and we welcome everyone. Just because it says WOU Democrats, doesn’t mean it’s just Democrats.”

Find more information about the Western Oregon University Democrats on OrgSync.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Senator Ron Wyden addresses Polk County concerns

Eric J. Frey

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

One individual asked the senator what citizens could do if the Over 200 citizens of Polk County gathered on Jan. 13 for a public town hall meeting with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. Wyden, who has a reputation for listening to the concerns of all Oregonians, holds town hall meetings in each of Oregon’s 26 counties every year.

The Senator has been representing Oregon first in the U.S. House of Representatives and then in the U.S. Senate for a total of 37 years. He holds a ranking member position on the Finance Committee, the leading Senate Democrat on the Joint Committee on Taxation, and a member of the Selection Committee on Intelligence and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Polk County citizens were given the opportunity to have their voices heard and questions answered in the course of the afternoon. Many questions were regarding the state of the federal government and proposed policy changes by the Trump administration.

Concerns were stated from multiple citizens about the deportation of DACA recipients if the DREAM Act is not passed. Wyden expressed support for the DREAMers, explaining, “You meet with these students and you just walk away with a near breathtaking judgment that they represent all things that we like young people to be spending their time on: working their heads off to get good marks, helping their families, career interests that will clearly benefit all of us.” Wyden emphasized. “We are a better and stronger country because of immigration.”

One citizen asked a question about where the Selection Committee on Intelligence stands on investigating collusion in the 2016 election process. Wyden replied, “Our committee is supposed to tell the story of how the Russians, in effect, undermined our democracy… A big part of what our committee should be doing is not getting done.” He went on to explain that the investigation is one of his priorities as a ranking member of the committee. “I am committed to staying at this, and I will say here today at Western as I’ve said around the state, I am your guy on the Senate Intelligence Committee and on my watch this investigation is not going to get swept under the rug.”

Concerns were expressed about the offshore drilling proposed on the Oregon Coast. “I’ve been part of a group of about 35 senators that have made it clear that we’re going to fight this arbitrary politically hotwired process,” Wyden commented. “In terms of our land, air, and water, this is really big stakes stuff for Oregon. Once you sell off your treasures to exploiters, you don’t get them back.”

y are concerned about issues that affect them. Wyden responded that calling senators is an effective way to have your voice heard. “Always remember that those contacts, particularly something like a phone call, really make the difference,” Wyden offered. “Finding an issue where you have a particular interest and you can, in effect, educate others… Political change is not trickle-down. It’s bottoms-up. I really encourage you to be out and talking about what’s important to you.”

Visit wyden.senate.gov for more information on Sen. Ron Wyden and a schedule of upcoming Town Hall meetings.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Psychology student receives fellowship abroad

Haley Morris

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Western psychology major Haley Morris is using her passion for global health to change the world. In late January, Morris will join a team of students and faculty from various universities on a month-long fellowship in Rwanda to conduct research on reproductive health.

In February of 2017, Morris was notified of the opportunity by her advisor, Western sociology professor Dr. Callero. The highly competitive fellowship, funded by the National Science Foundation, covers all domestic and international living and travel expenses. Morris decided to apply in May of 2017 and was notified that she was one of only nine applicants that received the award.

The program begins at Western Washington University in early January, where the fellowship recipients take classes and learn about qualitative research. At the end of January, Morris and her team leave for the country of Rwanda, where they will conduct research for a full month.

The purpose of the research is to gain a better understanding of the contraceptive programs that the country offers. Morris states that the percentage of individuals using contraception have tripled over the course of ten years, and the implementation of contraceptive use programs in Rwanda is much more successful than neighboring countries. The team hopes to obtain data that can give insight into Rwanda’s success and help other Sub-Saharan countries do the same.

In addition to the benefits this research provides for several African countries, it will also help Morris develop important data collection skills and international research experience. She noted that the opportunity is going to be important for her future endeavors. “Knowing how many doors it’s going to open for me is really, really exciting,” she commented. “After WOU, I hope to get my Masters in global health. Having this experience on my resumé is going to be incredibly helpful when applying.”

Callero explained that education abroad is important in gaining a new perspective on the world. “Most students who experience international education through study abroad report being transformed by the opportunity,” he commented. “When our personal beliefs and parochial assumptions are confronted with an alternative cultural worldview, change happens.”

“It’s really exciting knowing that I get to travel and see and experience things that many people go their whole life without seeing or experiencing,” Morris explained. “This experience is going to blow my mind, and I can’t wait for it to begin.”

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

New year, new laws

Paul F Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Over 700 laws were passed in Oregon in 2017, many of which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. Read on for a few examples to become familiar with.

Increased tobacco age

The age at which an individual can purchase and use tobacco products has increased from 18 to 21 with the start of the new year. This law also prohibits the use of vape products, e-cigarettes and other inhalant delivery systems by anyone under the age of 21. Western remains a tobacco and vape-free campus and prohibits the use of these products campus-wide.

Move Over Law

Oregon’s previous Move Over Law required vehicles on the roadway to change lanes or slow down if there are emergency or roadside assistance vehicles on the shoulder of the road. On Jan. 1, this law expanded to include any vehicle that is pulled over with activated hazard lights. If a far lane is available, it is required for drivers to change lanes. If not, they must slow down to at least 5 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Drivers that do not move over or slow down can face a fine up to $400.

Bottle bill expanded

On Apr. 1, 2017, the deposit value of refundable beverage containers increased from 5 cents to 10 cents. But even more changes to Oregon’s Bottle Bill became effective with the new year. Now, the bill has expanded from only including water, beer, and soft drinks to including almost everything that comes in a container between 4 ounces and 1.5 liters. Exceptions include dairy, wine, distilled liquor, infant formula, and meal replacement drinks. Everything from energy drinks to coconut water is now refundable for a 10 cent deposit.

Process for changing name, sex on birth certificate

Before Jan. 1, individuals that wished to change their name and/or sex designation on their birth certificate had to obtain a court order to prove that they had completed sexual reassignment. Beginning in 2018, House Bill 2673 states that any individual born in Oregon can submit an application to alter their birth certificate to accurately reflect their name and gender identity.

Self-serve fuel

House Bill 2482, passed on June 6, 2017 and officially taking effect Jan. 1, 2018 allows individuals in low-population Oregon counties to pump their own gas. This law does not require gas stations to allow 24-hour self-service, but instead gives them the option to offer it. This policy change follows the 2015 law that stated that individuals in low-population counties – counties with a population of 40,000 or less – may self-serve fuel between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The law applies to counties in Eastern Oregon as well as Clatsop, Tillamook and Curry counties.

 

Visit oregonlegislature.gov for more information on bills passed in 2017.

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

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