Vol. 30 #15 2.17.15
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Through the windows of Wilson library, you can spot students studying for midterms. Photo by Ian Sanquist // AS Review
MAKING YOUR LIFE BETTER, ONE PAGE AT A TIME Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu as.wwu.edu/asreview @TheASReview facebook.com/theasreview © 2014. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. The AS Review is an alternative weekly that provides coverage of student interests such as the AS government, activities and student life. The Review seeks to enhance the student experience by shedding light on underrepresented issues, inclusive coverage, informing readers and promoting dialogue.
IN THIS ISSUE NEWS 4 Labyrinth
As its call for submissions closes, the AS Women’s Center publication prepares for its debut
Since ‘64: Paving
5 the way for 50 more
Western’s Black Student Union celebrates progress with its 23rd annual hertiage dinner
STUDENT LIFE 7 Say it, say it out loud: feminist
A rundown of last week’s Let’s Talk About the F-Word event
FEATURES 3 Getting
#Lobbylicious down in Olympia Update #5 from Associated Students Legislative Liaison Heather Heffelmire
8 Last week in photos...
In case you missed it: hood feminism, concerts & clubs and Elect Her!
We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions to as.review@wwu.edu. We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words, include your name, phone number and year in school, if you’re a student. Send them to as.review@wwu.edu. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar.
Abigail Ramos Kelly Mason Trevor Grimm Ian Sanquist Nontawat Thammawan Marina Price Alex Bartick Designer Keghouhi Bedoyan Adviser Jeff Bates
Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Writers
City Hall performed at the Underground Coffeehouse Feb. 11. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review
2. 17. 2015 • 3
EVENTS
Free Yoga!
Every Monday & Thursday // 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. // Mondays VU 562 & Thursdays in VU MPR // Free Join the Outdoor Center every Monday and Thursday during winter quarter for free yoga! All yoga levels are welcomed. Bring your own mat and enjoy the relaxation.
AS Club Showcase
Feb. 16 - 20 // 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. // Red Square // Free Find out what clubs Western has to offer and get a free donut! This is the last week to check out clubs!
Western Accessibility Forum Feb. 18 // 7 p.m. // AW 304 // Free The AS Disability Outreach Center and Legal Information Center have come together to bring a panel of Western community members to discuss the campus environment, challenges, and potential solutions.
Co t y H o g u e Tr i o w / M a d a l e i n e D i M a rc o & Fr i e n d s Feb. 18 // 7 p.m. // UGCH // Free Enjoy free music at the Underground Coffeehouse as part of the Wednesday Night Concert Series.
Top Ten: Feb. 4 - 12 1
Make You Better The Decemberists
Feb. 18 // 7 p.m. // Fraser 102 // Free
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AS Productions presents Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Oscar-nominated film, Birdman.
Competition The Dodos
3
Kiss the Sun Con Brio
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Put Your Number In My Phone Ariel Pink
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Stonemilker Bjork
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Keep Me In Mind Saskwatch
7
Love Stained TV On The Radio
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Simple Machine Guster
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Boys Latin Panda Bear
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Tiny Islands Tangerine
Birdman
Black Student Union 23rd Annual Her itage Dinner Feb. 21 // 6 p.m. // VU MPR // Free Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with Western’s Black Student Union at its 23rd Annual Heritage Dinner. This year’s theme is “Since ‘64: Paving the Way for 50 More.” For more information, check out p. 5
AS Productions presents Shabazz Palaces on Friday, Feb. 20. Poster by Bobby Davis
KUGS is the Associated Students’ student-run radio station. Listen online at kugs.org. If you’re interested in getting on the waves, pick up a volunteer application in the station’s office on the seventh floor of the VU.
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By Ian Sanquist Design by Keghouhi Bedoyan Labyrinth, a publication of the AS Women’s Center, served as a space to highlight art and writing that focus on women’s rights and women’s issues since the 1970s. In recent years, Labyrinth has widened its reach to include work that addresses issues of identity, oppression, class, race, access to health care and many other subjects. Submission for the journal close Monday, Feb. 16 at 11:45 p.m. Labyrinth’s release date is scheduled for Monday, April 27. Women’s Center Assistant Coordinator for Creative Programming and Labyrinth Editor Johnna Gurgel said that she is interested in seeing submissions from “anyone and everyone.” Gurgel emphasized this inclusive submission policy, so readers can expect to find work from a highly diverse group of artists and writers. Historically Labyrinth has only accepted submissions from people who identify as women. An editorial statement on Labyrinth’s web presence emphasizes, “In this day and age, Labyrinth and the Women’s Center are centered around practicing safer spaces and giving a platform for all voices.” “There are no restrictions on who should submit,” Gurgel said, also clarifying that one doesn’t have to be affiliated with Western to submit to Labyrinth. As far as what stories she’s been looking for as editor, Gurgel said, “the most important thing is does it speak to the theme.” This year’s theme for Labyrinth is “Exploring the Internals and Externals of Identity Marginalization.” Gurgel defined this theme as a concern with what it is to be human for each particular person who is alive. “It is really based on trying to bring to light experiences that are out there on our campus and in the world that might not be heard or publicized anywhere else,” Gurgel said. Volunteer Editor Hannah Streetman got involved with Labyrinth to obtain editing and publishing experience. “Often the most powerful pieces show a perspective I’ve never even considered. The beauty of written and visual art is that it can be about someone completely different...but the person looking
at the page can sympathize with the story,” Streetman said. “The pieces published in Labyrinth ask people to question their priorities, ethics, prejudices and identity.” With submissions closing on Feb.16 at 11:45 p.m., this year’s edition of Labyrinth is nearing its completion. Gurgel said the journal has received a number of powerful submissions in all categories, including some pieces of visual art dealing with “relational issues that come up between two people.” “Some of the art’s triggering in the sense that it’s hard to look at, but it brings a lot of honest questions into your mind,” Gurgel said. “Labyrinth really is a place where your experience on life can be brought to light; a person can showcase what they experience, not what others think from impressions.” Volunteer Editor Megan Langston wanted to work with Labyrinth because previous issues were “so beautifully constructed I couldn’t help but want to be even a small part of its creation.” “It makes me feel a part of something important and progressive, and it’s a feeling I thrive on,” Langston said. As a volunteer editor, Langston said she has seen many moving pieces of writing and art, but her favorites have been in “simple pieces that hold powerful messages.” “I saw a painting of two sisters at the beach, and that seems so normal and average,” Langston said. “But when I really looked at it, I felt something more. I felt the artist’s spirit in the painting, which made me open up my heart and not just my eyes while looking at it. I then saw the connection of the sisters and what that must have meant for the artist. A painting is always something more than the brush strokes.” Labyrinth also accepts multimedia submissions, a new venture for the journal which has traditionally been a paper publication. A website is in the works, dependent on a grant proposal. According to Gurgel, if the website isn’t finalized this year, the current edition of Labyrinth will be available as a downloadable .pdf that includes the multimedia work. The release party for Labyrinth will be held Monday, April 27 in the Viking Union Gallery, featuring performances by writers and artists whose work is included in the journal. The artwork from Labyrinth will remain on display in the VU Gallery for three weeks following its release.
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Since ‘64: Paving the way for 50 more By Marina Price Poster by Stephan Ateser At 5 p.m on Feb. 21, Western’s Black Student Union will be hosting its 23rd annual enriching and exciting heritage dinner in the Viking Union Multipurpose room. The night will be filled with performances, a keynote speaker, a raffle and of course, great food. “This is going to be a great event, not only because we are going to have some delicious food and great entertainment, but because we are working hard to be very intentional about our theme,” said BSU Public Relations Officer Kalia Castro. The theme of the event is “Since ’64: Paving the Way for 50 More,” which commemorates the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 fifty years ago. “We really want to put it out there that there has been a lot of progress, but there is a lot more to go,” BSU President Jordan Butler said on the theme. Castro hopes that the theme will inspire attendees. “Of course, there will be time to socialize, and snap a few high quality pictures at our photo booth,” she said, “but it really is about
Black Student Union Heritage Dinner
reflection, celebration and a ‘what now?’ that I personally want everyone to leave with.” The keynote speaker at this event will be Assistant Superintendent of the Tukwila School District Wanda Billingsly. She is going to speak on the theme, as well as on how the education system in Washington can help improve the lives of black children in K-12 schools. BSU heritage dinners are filled with performances, which typically include singing, dancing and spoken word. This year will be no different with singing performances featuring soul, Motown and R&B covers of famous black artists. The Seattle band Triple Tree will be performing as well. The first performance at the dinner will be by BSU club member Stacey Ejim is going to sing the black national anthem, titled “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” written by James and John Johnson in 1900. Ejim encourages everyone to attend the event, and said it will provide an opportunity for “everyone to learn about and get a sense of black culture.” Also highly anticipated at this event are the raffle prizes in the silent auction, the proceeds of which will go back into the club.
Prizes include an African American hair products basket, sponsored by Busy B’s Barber Shop in Bellingham. There will also be a black literature basket, an Outdoor Center basket, an AS Bookstore basket and even a date auction, where the winner will get to take one of the BSU board members out on a date to Mallard’s Ice Cream in Bellingham. And of course, there will be food. Butler said that they have made changes to this year’s dinner’s menu to accommodate those with food restrictions, including offering meat-free and gluten-free chilli. The menu for this dinner includes chicken, green beans and peach cobbler among other things. Board members compile their favorite foods onto a list and the menu is chosen from there, said Butler. This event is open to anyone to attend. “I’m really excited to see new and familiar faces! It is going to be a fantastic night,” said Castro. There are seats for 280 people, but tickets for BSU heritage dinners sell out fast. Tickets are $12 each at the PAC Box office. Dress is semi-formal, so put on your best clothes and head down to the VU MPR on Feb. 21 for a night of celebration of black culture.
Since ‘64: Paving the Way for 50 More. Representing the 50 years since the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 & 1965.
> 6PM Saturday February 21 $12 w Student ID $14 General
VU MPR Theft of this banner is a violation of University policy and will result in notifying University Police and the Dean of Students Office.
For disability accommodations please call (360) 650 – 6116 Western is an equal opportunity institution
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Getting #Lobbylicious down in Olympia AS Legislative Liaison Heather Heffelmire sends her fifth update from Olympia, Wash.
Hello Western Friends! It’s your Legislative Liaison writing from Olympia! Last week was the fourth week of session, and I’ve officially survived my first month lobbying at the legislature!! Whoop whoop! I definitely couldn’t have done it without the support of all of you at Western helping, supporting, motivating, and backing me. The fourth week of session was full of committee hearings and testimony. I started off my week by testifying in the Senate Government Operations and Security Committee chaired by the one and only Senator Pam Roach. I was testifying on Senate Bill 5140, the Motor Voter Bill which would allow 16 and 17 year olds to pre-register to vote while getting their driver licenses for the first time. I was honored to testify on this bill and happy that it was even given a hearing. In past years it hasn’t been heard, but this year because many students at Western, like our AS Vice President of Governmental Affairs Sarah Kohout, reached out to Senator Roach and she decided to hear it! This shows that our elected officials do listen to us and it demonstrates how important it is for students to be regularly writing and communicating with their elected officials. Hopefully, “Motor Voter” will get passed out of committee. Allowing teens to pre-register would help us at Western in our voter engagement efforts and further youth civic engagement - something we love in the Represenation and Engagement Programs - so keep your fingers crossed about the future of SB 5140 and email Senator Roach asking her to pass it! I also attended my first meeting of the racial equity team this week. The racial equity team is a coalition of Lobbyists of Color and white allies working towards racial justice in our state. I felt really happy to be in this space and really enjoyed hearing from the dedicated and amazing individuals who make up the coalition. Another really exciting part of my week was working with Senator Pramila Jayapal’s office on SB 5732. SB 5732 is sponsored by Senator Jayapal [the only womxn of color in the senate, whoop whoop!] and would mandate that all Washington police officers have to wear body cameras. I really commend the Senator for bringing up this issue, as the epidemic of police violence and brutality in our country and state has largely been ignored by the legislature so far. I was able to reach out to students across the state and to provide them information on this bill and encourage them to reach out to their legislators to ensure this bill is heard. If you would like to be apart of this work - and I hope you do - or want more information, please email me.
I ended my week heading up to Western on Saturday, Feb. 7 to attend Elect Her. Elect Her is an annual event on our campus which strives to encourage young womxn to run for office. I really enjoyed the event and could tell so much hard work was put into making it go so well - shout out to Patrick Eckroth and all the other students who helped organize it! We actually got to hear from Senator Jayapal and she was incredibly, incredibly inspiring and moving. It was definitely worth the three hour trip to Bellingham to hear her speak. As always, if you want more information about my adventures down in Olympia or just want to chat about politics, policy, activism,or anything in between feel free to reach out to me or visit my colleagues in the REP office VU 432. STAY #LOBBYLICIOUS Y’ALL!!! Contact Us: Email Heather at heatherheffelmire@yahoo.com Email Senator Pam Roach at pam.roach@leg.wa.gov
AS Legislative Liasion spends winter quarter in Olympia, Wash. lobbying for student issues. Illustration by Keghouhi Bedoyan
2. 17. 2015 • 7
Say it, say it out loud: feminist Parmett said he once had a conversation with a someone who identified as feminist “Let’s Talk about the F-Word, ”an event who felt very uncomfortable with men calling hosted by Western’s Empowerment and Viothemselves feminists. lence Education Tuesday Feb. 10, involved a He explained during the discussion that panel discussion between Western professors while feminism is for everybody, it’s still a little about the importance of feminism and its asinappropriate for men to call themselves femisociated connotations in society. nists because they’ve never faced the social WEAVE is dedicated to encouraging disoppression women have. cussion about issues of violence and equality “Historically, when men get involved with on campus, and ending all forms of violence something, they have the tendency to take toward all identities. The event provided a over and dominate,” Parmett said. “I believe safe space for students to ask questions about in feminism, but understand why it might be feminism. Notecards were given to students at more comfortable for female feminists to just the beginning of the event, so they could write recognize me as an ally.” down their questions anonymously. Later, the panel went on to talk about idenThe discussion began with panelists defintities that are left out of feminism. Another ing feminism from their own perspectives, and WEAVE Peer Health Educator Hilary Susnar several different answers were submitted. said this question was particularly important Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies because most people tend to believe feminism is only for white, cisgender women. “Does being feminist mean you’re a cranky white lady who doesn’t shape her legs? Well, not necessarily, feminists can be anybody,” Luper said. Though mainstream feminism tends to only cater to white, straight cisgender women, intersectional feminism welcomes and celebrates individuals of all identities. After a few questions, Parmett said it’s clear that not all students agree with the content of the discussion. In fact, the first question submitted from the audiences was along the line of: “What has feminism accomplished this year besides causing troubles in the society?” The event’s primary objective was to raise awareness about feminism by talking about it. It was more important that students walked inside the room with an open-minded and learned more about feminism in general without being unreasonably criticized. To get involved, students can attended the monthly meeting held by Western Student Western professors discuss issues about violence and equality on campus during Western’s Against Violence, which works closely and acts Empowerment and Violence Education’s event “Let’s Talk about the F-Word,” on Tuesday Feb. in solidarity with WEAVE, on the first Tuesday of every month in Miller Hall at 5 p.m. 10. Photos by Ian Sanquist // AS Review By Nontawat Thammawan
Professor Shurla Thibou, a panelist, said feminism is a rather complicated term to define as it entirely depends on the viewpoint. The panelists also went on to talk about how feminism has the negative connotation of non-sexy and non-humorous. WEAVE Peer Health Educator Melissa Luper said those false viewpoints are the reasons this event is created from the start. “I think there is a stereotype about feminists that they’re aggressive men haters,” Luper said. “People tend to look at feminism negatively, so we just want to bring the discussion to Western campus.” The panelists were later asked if they define themselves as a feminist. Communications Professor Justin Parmett who was the only male panelist said he is an advocate of feminists, but he is hesitated to call himself a feminist.
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Last week in photos...
Left: Western Hmong Student Association brings a traditional qeej to their table at the AS Club Showcase. Center: The HvZ moderators motivate students to prepare for the apocalypse at the showcase. Right: A fellow Hmong member demonstrates how to use a traditional qeej. Photos by Trevor Grimm // AS Review Left: City Hall performed at the Underground Coffeehouse Feb. 11. The Bellingham based band will be one of the openers for Motopony, who will be performing in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room on March 6 at 8 p.m. Right: AS Social Issues Resource Center, Queer Resource Center and the Women’s Center presented a talk by Mikki Kendal of HoodFeminism.com. The event touched on the need to build trust with marginalized communities and listen to people experiencing oppression. Photos by Trevor Grimm // AS Review
Left: The Represntations and Engagments Program hosted Elect Her: Elect Her: Campus Women Win, a national training program that educates and empowers female-identified students on college campuses to run for political office on and off campus. Center: Senator Pramila Jayapal spoke to Elect Her attendess on the importance of equal representation. Right: Elect Her attendees practice reaching for the stars. Photos by Ian Sanquist // AS Review