Mount Hood

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

Meet the Greeks

Paul F. Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

When Greek letters are displayed campus-wide, it can only mean one thing – fraternity and sorority new member recruitment.

There are currently four Greek organizations established on Western’s campus: Omega Delta Phi, Kappa Sigma, Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Delta Chi. Each organization has its own mission, philanthropy and standards that Western students can learn more about.

Omega Delta Phi is a multicultural service-based men’s fraternity with the philosophy “One culture, any race.” The traditional values upheld by the fraternity are unity, honesty, integrity and leadership. According to the Omega Delta Phi national website, individuals in the fraternity aim to “form an organization which not only challenges the traditional perception of fraternities, but also one with deals with the issues of culture and race for a completely new perspective.” Omega Delta Phi’s philanthropy is through Court Appointed Special Advocates, a national organization that provides advocates for abused or neglected children.

Kappa Sigma is a values-based men’s fraternity focused on the four pillars of fellowship, scholarship, leadership, and service. According to kappasigma.org, the fraternity aims to promote the ideal of brotherhood, promote ethical behavior, encourage service to others and contribute to the personal growth of its members. Kappa Sigma’s philanthropy is the Kappa Sigma Fraternity Military Heroes Campaign, which advocates for veterans and men and women wounded in combat.

Kappa Sigma is tabling every day during weeks one and two of winter term to recruit new members. Check them out in the WUC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for more information on how to join.

Alpha Chi Omega is a social-based sorority on Western’s campus. According to the sorority’s national website, “The real, strong woman is what we aim to help Alpha Chi Omegas become in their four years of college and beyond. It’s what we’re most proud of, and the outcome we’re committed to creating for each member.” The sorority selects its members based on the five national standards of membership: academic interest, character, financial responsibility, leadership ability, and personal development. Alpha Chi Omega’s philanthropy is domestic violence awareness.

Alpha Chi Omega members will be recruiting in the WUC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11 and again from Jan. 16 to Jan. 18. Stop by for more information on joining the organization.

Kappa Delta Chi is a multicultural community service-based women’s sorority that values unity, honesty, integrity, and leadership. Stated on the chapter website, Kappa Delta Chi members “blossom into committed leaders, are able to network with our remarkable alumnae, and continue to serve as civic leaders well past their graduation.” The national philanthropy of Kappa Delta Chi is the American Cancer Society.

Greek organizations can be an excellent way to get involved on campus. Alpha Chi Omega president Julia Webster comments, “Just joining anything on campus is a great way to stay connected to the community and find your place to fit in.”

Visit OrgSync for more information on Greek organizations and upcoming events.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Suspicious activity alerts community

Paul F. Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Two separate instances of suspicious activity within the same week alerted the Monmouth community in early December. One incident occurred on Nov. 29 when a woman reported that a man tried to enter her parked car near the intersection of Clay and Knox Street. Less than a week later on Dec. 6, another woman reported that a man approached and tried to grab her near her residence. The investigation of this incident is ongoing.

Although these circumstances occurred off campus, Campus Public Safety was quick to offer advice on keeping safe and taking the necessary precautions both on and off campus.

One service that Campus Public Safety provides is the safety escort service where a Public Safety officer will escort individuals around campus if they feel unsafe. If a student doesn’t want to walk with an officer, they also have the option to stay on the phone with an individual from Public Safety as they walk, or an officer could keep an eye on the student via campus cameras.

Although the safety escort program only offers assistance around campus, Wolf Ride is available for off-campus locations. If a student feels nervous or uneasy about walking around Monmouth or Independence, they can call Wolf Ride at 503-428-7238  for a ride from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily. Wolf Ride is not operational during winter break.

In addition to safety escorts and Wolf Ride, Director of Campus Public Safety Rebecca Chiles suggests following the most well-lit paths through campus, indicated by the white paw prints on the sidewalks. Emergency phones are available in various locations around campus that directly connect to Campus Public Safety in case of an emergency.

Chiles also offers an additional piece of advice for students: participate in bystander training.

“Any kind of training and information that you can get empowers you to make decisions to be able to interact and intervene when things like that are going on,” Chiles advises. “Knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can react positively and be able to take care of yourself and keep yourself safe.” Contact Craig Wimmer at wimmerc@wou.edu for more information on Green Dot bystander training on campus.

Chiles advises to stay alert when walking alone. It’s common for students to browse social media while walking down the street or sitting in a car, but putting the phone down and being aware of one’s surroundings can prevent distractions that lead to unsafe situations.

Chiles wants students to know that Campus Public Safety is there to support and keep them safe. “Our department here on campus works hand in hand with Monmouth Police Department. Everything that we do is tied to the university’s mission and strategic plan to make this a safe place to learn, to live, to work, and to visit … We’re going to do everything we can to provide those safe environments.”

Students who are concerned for their safety can contact Campus Public Safety at 503-838-8481.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Survey campaign gives Western students a voice

Paul F. Davis

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

On Oct. 4, members of ASWOU and the Oregon Student Association could be found on campus sidewalks engaging with students about important issues that many college students face. This was part of a statewide survey campaign to get input from college students regarding what issues they want to see addressed on campus and in the state legislature.

The Oregon Student Association, or OSA, is a student-led non-partisan organization that works to advocate for student issues and concerns in Oregon. OSA represents schools ranging from Portland State University to Central Oregon Community College and serves over 110,000 individuals in postsecondary education.

“As we know, there are big differences in issues that impact students from a regional university like Western to a big university,” commented OSA Communications Director Devin Hutchings on the importance of representing a wide variety of institutions. “That’s why having a board is really important and to make sure that students from all different types of public higher education in Oregon are at the table and making decisions together.”

Every two years, OSA goes through a process of choosing which issues they will prioritize and work on in the coming years. OSA leadership students present and debate several proposals, and ultimately all students in OSA represented schools can vote on which topics they’d like to see addressed.

OSA partnered with ASWOU to bring the statewide student survey to Western’s campus and allow students to vote on the 10 proposed issues. At Western, 845 individuals gave their input and 17,081 students statewide participated in the survey.

According to the survey, the top five issues that students want to see addressed are tuition and textbook affordability, affordable and stable housing, increase mental health resources for students, student control over tuition setting and college governance and food assistance for food insecure Oregonians.

Focusing and working on these issues has led to changes in the legislature in the past. In 2015, one of the issues that OSA staff members focused on was sexual violence prevention and reform. Senate Bill 762, which exempts victims of sexual assault from prosecution for offenses related to the possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21, was brought forward by the Oregon Student Association.

This bill was passed and signed into law this past summer.

“That is a victory that impacts quite a few students and was brought forward by students, was worked on a lobbied for, students went to the capital, and was eventually passed and is now a law,” Hutchings commented. “It was student-led the whole way.”

“We’re thankful for the students that participated in the survey and we really appreciate it,” commented Annie Broussard, ASWOU Director of State and Federal Affairs.

To find out more information on OSA, visit orstudents.org.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Alumnus advocates for trans rights

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Many Western alumni have moved on to accomplish extraordinary things after graduation. One notable individual is Mason Dunn, whose advocacy and dedication has led to major policy changes for transgender rights and won him the 2017 Leadership Award by the Equality Federation.

Dunn graduated from Western in 2007 with a degree in criminal justice. During his time here at Western, he was president of Triangle Alliance, served as the executive diversity coordinator for ASWOU and helped found and open the Stonewall Center. Dunn also sat as co-chair for the Oregon Students for Equal Rights Alliance at the statewide level.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire School of Law in 2012, Dunn worked as an LGBTQ rights organizer with the New Hampshire ACLU. Soon after that, he was hired as executive director at the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and has held that position since 2013.

As executive director at MTPC, Dunn works as a lobbyist, advocate, administrator, educator and speaker. He follows the organization’s mission to stop gender-based discrimination with political advocacy, education and community empowerment.

“Trans rights are human rights,” Dunn said in an interview with the Journal on Nov. 18. “When the rights of a marginalized group are under attack, it has an impact on us all. As a result, we should all work towards and for equal rights for all people.”

Dunn and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition played a critical role in advocating for trans rights. He advocated for transition-related healthcare coverage, simplifying the process for changing names and gender markers on Massachusetts birth certificates and adding legal protections in public spaces for transgender individuals. All of these issues were won by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition and signed into law. In 2018, statewide non-discrimination laws will be up for a referendum vote and mark the first time that transgender rights will be on a statewide ballot.

Dunn received an award by the Equality Federation, a national organization that supports and collaborates with state-based LGBTQ organizations. He was the recipient of the 2017 Leadership Award in honor of his advocacy for nondiscrimination protections for gender identity and expression.

Dunn has worked as an LGBTQ rights advocate for over a decade, but he encourages everyone to get involved in some capacity; “Whatever you do, and in whatever capacity, get involved and stay involved. It will take all of us to address inequality in our world.”

“You don’t have to be on the front lines in this work. You may not have the capacity to march, or organize, or speak out,” Dunn said. “But sharing articles on social media, speaking up when friends or family show bias towards marginalized groups, fundraising for a local nonprofit, or even volunteering once a month – all of these are ways to be involved in the work for equality.”

 

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu

Western students get out and vote

Sam Dunaway | News Editor

The 2016 election marked many Western student’s first time voting in a federal election. Western Oregon University, along with hundreds of other campuses across the United States, took part in a study to acquire data on student voting rates and how this compares to previous elections.

This study, conducted by the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement (NSLVE), represented over 10 million students and covered campus-wide student voting rates in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 elections.

Between 2012 and 2016, enrollment at Western decreased by nearly 13 percent, resulting in less eligible voters for the 2016 election. But voter registration persisted and the registration rate increased by 7 percent in 2016, as compared to 2012. The overall voting rate for the 2016 election increased as well, with 59.4 percent of students turning in their ballot, while the 2012 rate sat at 53.2 percent. Compared to the cumulative data between all institutions in the study, Western students voted more than the average university’s students by 9 percent.

The increase in voter registration for the 2016 election may be due to the Oregon Student Association and ASWOU’s student outreach that led to 859 new or updated registered voters at Western and an estimated 49,000 statewide.

Spencer Dixon, Partnerships Coordinator of Young Invincibles, works to institutionalize voter registration across college campuses. The organization aims to breaks barriers that prevent individuals from voting and increase voter registration among college students.

“When campuses lead the way and provide students with resources and encourage them, students are more likely to participate,” Dixon commented. “We are hoping to take this report and make sure everyone’s aware of the numbers and commit to actions campuses can take to increase those rates.”

Find the full results here within the Oct. 25 meeting docket.

Western welcomes annual holiday festivities

Zoë Strickland | Managing Editor

On Friday, Dec. 1, the lights on the giant sequoia will be turned on for the 50th consecutive year.

Despite it being the 50th annual tree lighting, the first time the tree was adorned with lights wasn’t 50 years ago. In 1940, lights were put on the tree as a way of celebrating then-faculty member John Scott. However, the next time the Sequoia saw lights was Nov. 27, 1967.

The effort to bring the holiday spirit to Monmouth was student-run. An article from the Nov. 9, 1967 issue of The Monmouth Herald stated that it was the women of Todd Hall, a residence hall at the time, that kickstarted the process of incorporating holiday festivities; “Girls from Todd hall were present to get council approval for a project to light the sequoia tree on the OCE campus as a community Christmas Tree.”

A follow-up piece from Nov. 23 reported the council’s approval: “What has been billed as ‘The World’s Largest Living Christmas Tree’ will be lighted on the OCE campus on Monday evening. The tree, a 122 foot tall sequoia located in front of Campbell hall on the campus, will be lighted in a 7 p.m. ceremony.”

The sequoia that once stood at 122-feet is now estimated to be between 125 and 130-feet tall. “We may have to lengthen the top piece, the satellite, that the lights are attached to, to accommodate the growth of the tree,” said Kevin Hughes, Landscape Maintenance Coordinator.

Though the sequoia is no longer touted as the world’s largest Christmas tree, the tradition has persevered through tumultuous times. The tree was not available to comment on its dethroned title.

Over the years, the responsibility of planning the events has shifted. When originally proposed by a residence hall, students were in charge of coordinating the ceremonies. However, non-student run entities of the institution eventually took the reigns.

In 1992, the school was unsure if they had the funds to continue the tree lighting ceremony. As a result, the community banded together to continue the event.

“In response to Western’s pleas for help, the community will be picking up a lot of the financial burden of this holiday fixture, but not all of it. The Incidental Fee Committee recently met to discuss the options available to them … this year’s expenses are estimated at $6500 … to lessen the stress of this annual holiday expenditure, the Incidental Fee Committee began fundraising,” reported a 1992 article of the Western Star.

Western’s tree lighting tradition is one that members of the Western community look forward to, “Driving through campus at night when the tree is lit, trying to spot it on highway 99 while coming to work,” Hughes said when asked about his favorite thing about the tradition.

The best thing that students can do to keep this event going is showing their support, “Keep the excitement and process going. Generations are enjoying the celebration. It started out as a community event and it will continue to bring people back to our WOU campus. When we install the lights on the tree, I have a sigh of relief and know that in approx. 1 month, the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year celebrations will begin,” Hughes added.

This year’s events will kick off at 6 p.m. with a holiday parade that will head from Monmouth Library to the main drag of campus. The parade includes floats by different student groups around campus and Monmouth, as well as an appearance by Santa Claus. 7 p.m. is double booked with both a local school choir concert, and a wine and music gathering at Gentle House.

The Werner University Center will be open during the night, and will have indoor programs such as a holiday cookie bake-off, tree decorating contest, live music from KWOU and an area for people to get their photo taken with Santa.

 

Contact the author at journalmanaging@wou.edu

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