Mount Hood

Harold Mason: A retrospective

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

“Harold Mason: A Retrospective,” available for viewing at the Hamersly Library, opened June 8, 2024, to honor artist Harold Mason after his passing in August of 2022.

The exhibition showcases some of Harold Mason’s paintings and artworks, but is not able to encapsulate all of Mason’s lifetime spent creating masterpieces. Throughout his life, he mainly pursued watercolor painting, etching, lithographs, collages and pencil drawings. “Harold Mason: A Retrospective” includes a variety of his different mediums, including pencil sketches of instruments, watercolor seascapes and painted traditional Native vases. Both Harold Mason and his wife, Sue Mason, a fellow artist and potter, drew a lot of inspiration from historic pottery and sought them out in their life together.

Sue described her husband as having a “cute sense of humor” and being a lovely man. “Like so many artists, he was very sure of himself and yet completely unsure all at the same time — but he had a good career.”

“One interesting thing is the seascapes,” said Sue Mason. “He never did seascapes because he had a good friend who went out on his own at about the same time Harold did, and he did nothing but seascapes. He lived in Mendocino, California, right on the coast, and we were friends with him and his wife, our kids and their kids grew up together. Well, (one day), Harold decided he wanted to get a hold of John, and he found out that he had passed away, so out of consideration for their friendship, he did a seascape… and he enjoyed it so much that he did a number of them.”

For a decent amount of time, Harold and Sue lived in Carmel, California, which sits right on the coast. Sue described the ocean as very dear to their hearts.

Having married in Switzerland in 1961 due to Harold being drafted into the army and consequently moved to Germany, the two of them spent 61 years living as artists and moving from place to place. They previously lived in California, Maine and New Mexico before settling in Monmouth, Oregon, in a quaint mid-century modern house with a spiral staircase and personal artwork on every wall, almost all handmade by either Harold or Sue.

“And then when we came home (from Germany and Switzerland), we started a family, and when our children, our son was about four and our daughter was about two, we decided it was time for (Harold) to go out on his own and he never looked back,” said Sue regarding his career. “He made his living from his art. We’re not wealthy, but we had a wealthy life. The arts have been our life.”

Harold Mason started exhibiting his art in 1968 and stopped around 2008 from galleries, but did not quit painting or art. “He painted up almost until he died,” said Sue. “That August, the gallery in Independence had asked us to do a show together — I’m a potter — and he was too ill to even hang the show, but they hung it for him. So, really, he exhibited forever.”

In four decades of exhibiting, Harold became a nationally recognized watercolor artist with a talent for landscape and wildlife, and had his art featured in various shows and museums. He held fourteen one-man shows in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ; San Francisco, Oakland and Carmel, CA; and Seattle, WA. The Carnegie Museum of Art in Chicago continues to keep one of Mason’s watercolors in their permanent collection, with the Albuquerque Museum of Art and the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco having featured his work previously.

This exhibition is expected to be the last of Harold Mason’s work — with half of all sales from the artwork on display going to produce art scholarships for Western students looking to further their craft by entering higher education, which Sue Mason highly encourages.

“I loved my husband’s art just about as much as I loved him,” said Sue Mason, always advertising not only Harold Mason’s work but fellow local artists and their galleries. Sue, still in the art scene and involved with Western, stays on top of who will be exhibiting with the college at Cannon Gallery and with the city of Monmouth.

Western has printed multiple copies of an illustrated poetry book, art done by Harold Mason and poems by a family friend, Grant Hoyt, for Sue Mason, with the goal being to eventually publish “Circus Circus.” The book, in loving memory of Harold Mason, showcases various colored and black and white illustrations of hopping dinosaurs — the final passage being Sue Mason’s favorite and the last lines stating, “Celebrate our circus, share your memories with a friend / May the fantasy and wonder live on and never end.”

It remains to be seen when “Circus Circus” will be available for purchase. Until then, Harold’s artwork may be viewed on the second floor of the Hamersly Library until the end of October.

“Harold — he never had to do anything other than his drawings and paintings, and I think that’s worth celebrating. So I wanted to show students that if their art is their thing, to believe in themselves,” said Sue Mason.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu.

Vote now

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The 2024 presidential election is coming up, with Election Day being Nov. 5. In Oregon, ballots must either be in a ballot drop box or postmarked by Election Day. The deadline for voter registration has passed, however, people can check if they’re registered by going to the “My Vote” page on the Oregon secretary of state’s website. “Oregon has the ‘motor voter’ bill, so when you get your license you’re automatically registered to vote,” said Mary Pettenger, a professor in the Politics, Policy and Administration department at Western. 

After filling out a ballot, students can drop them off at the ballot drop box located on the second floor of the Werner University Center. The secretary of state’s website has a feature called “Track My Ballot” that allows people to check if their ballots have been received. 

Pettenger, along with Dr. Earlene Camarillo, believes in the importance of getting young people to vote. The two professors started the Empowered Communities Project in 2022. “Part of our goal is to get people more involved in their civic world,” said Pettenger. “(Voting is) one of the biggest ways people can really have their voice heard in a democracy.” 

The Empowered Communities Project has been a significant part of encouraging students to engage in their local communities. It also helps students learn about civil service, democracy and advocacy. “We’ve been having events, speakers and hosting training for how to be an advocate or a lobbyist,” said Pettenger. 

The voting process can be overwhelming for students who are participating for the first time, but Pettenger emphasized that it’s not something to worry about. “It’s not as hard as it sounds … And you don’t have to fill in each name, you can just vote for particular offices, too.”

For first-time voters, it may be difficult to sift through all of the information about the presidential candidates, but that’s where the secretary of state’s website can be useful once again. “(On the) website there’s a link to find the voter’s pamphlet, and then each candidate has a statement and you can see who supports them or not,” said Pettenger.

“We’re really privileged in our society to have a democracy. Being able to vote is part of being part of your community and caring about what happens,” said Pettenger.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Hurricane season

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The National Ocean Service says that a hurricane is a “rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms.” They form over the tropical warm waters of an ocean. “(Hurricanes) often (begin) as a tropical wave — a low-pressure area that moves through the moisture-rich tropics, possibly enhancing shower and thunderstorm activity.” When hurricanes move inland, they typically lose power due to the lack of warm water that acts as fuel for the storm. 

Hurricanes are split into five categories, with Category 1 being the least powerful and Category 5 being the most. “The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based only on a hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed. This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, and tornadoes,” said the National Ocean Service.

Hurricane Helene hit Florida as a Category 4 hurricane Sept. 26. It diminished to a tropical storm as it traveled inland through Georgia, South and North Carolina, Virginia and then Tennessee. Most of those states saw severe flooding, with Florida receiving storm surges of up to 15 feet. 

Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida Oct. 9. Although it decreased from a Category 5 to a Category 3 as it hit land, it was still vastly destructive. It moved from Florida’s west coast across the state and into the Atlantic Ocean. The hurricanes were disastrous by themselves, but they also spawned multiple tornadoes. As of Oct. 16, there were at least 268 casualties from both hurricanes combined, with Helene being much more deadly.

During Hurricane Helene, the city of Asheville, North Carolina — known for its beautiful art and architecture — was decimated. The city is home to two intersecting rivers, which makes it susceptible to major flooding. Roads were buried by mudslides or washed away by the floods, and residents were isolated without power or cell service for at least two weeks.

For both hurricanes, many counties had mandatory evacuation orders. Some people, however, decided to stay and brave the storms. Jane Castor, the mayor of Tampa, Florida, issued a warning to people in mandatory evacuation zones. “I can say this without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die,” said Castor. Before Hurricane Helene, Taylor County, Florida, notified residents that if they chose not to evacuate, they needed to write their personal and important information on themselves with a permanent marker so they could be easily identified.

Joseph Malinowski, who is also known as “Lieutenant Dan” on TikTok, hunkered down in Tampa Bay on his boat during Hurricane Milton. “The safest place to be is on a boat in a flood,” Malinowski said in a video posted by the TikTok account “Daily Mail.” Miraculously, he was found alive in his boat after the storm had passed.

One person known on TikTok as Ashly Cox posted a video that quickly became controversial. “When you live in a mandatory evacuation zone but your boyfriend says ‘we’re staying,’” the video said. Many people online warned her about the dangers of Helene, with some people even telling her to not only leave her home in Tampa, but leave her partner as well. Cox then posted a follow-up video clarifying that she is the decision-maker, and if she had wanted to leave they would have left. She gained even more criticism because of that video from viewers who turned their hate away from her boyfriend and onto her. One day after the hurricane hit, she posted another video to let people know that she was safe.

Another TikTok user, “Kricketfelt,” first posted about staying on the Gulf of Mexico in a mandatory evacuation zone during Hurricane Helene. “Because my house is three floors and solid concrete, we are not evacuating,” she said. “Kricketfelt” posted videos during and after Helene, documenting the aftermath of the strong winds and flooding. When Hurricane Milton hit, she and her family decided to ride out the storm once again, despite being given evacuation orders by the police. She posted continuous videos showcasing Milton before it made landfall. Her posting ceased when it made landfall Oct. 9, causing concern amongst her viewers, however reports were made from individuals who drove by her house and found it still standing with the power on.

The American Red Cross has been a significant contributor to the hurricane relief being provided in the areas affected by Helene and Milton. They have sent volunteers to ensure that people are being given food, shelter and medical attention. To donate to The American Red Cross’ hurricane relief fund, go to https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Wolf Ride

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

WOLF Ride is a Safe Ride program that any student can use as a form of transportation anywhere in Monmouth and Independence. It can accommodate up to six passengers in the WOLF Ride van. “The student fees that they pay alongside tuition goes towards WOLF Ride, so they get to utilize WOLF Ride completely free during their operating hours,” said Cameron Mortensen, who oversees the Wolf Ride program. The operating hours for the program are Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. For students who need rides during the day, it is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Having a program like WOLF Ride on campus is integral to helping students feel safe. “Especially now as it starts getting darker earlier if they’re coming back from class, if they live off campus, or if they need to do something off campus and then come back, they have a safe way of doing that,” said Mortensen. 

WOLF Ride also helps students who don’t have a vehicle on campus. “It gives students more flexibility. It gives them more autonomy,” said Mortensen. “From an accessibility standpoint, we do have a wheelchair lift in the van, so for students who need to utilize that it could be a more easy and accessible way to get to where they need to go.” WOLF Ride is a reliable resource for students who normally would not have an easy way to get groceries or go to and from Monmouth and Independence.

This is the first year that the program has an app – “WOLF Ride for WOU Students” – for students to request rides. “They just put in where they are, where they want to go and then it can give students real-time updates on how long it will take the driver to get there. They can rate the driver at the very end.” 

The app is free to download and is easy for students to navigate.

Mortensen is very open to accepting feedback from students about how to improve WOLF Ride. “Even if you just try it once, just see how it is and let us know.,” Mortensen said.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The Oregon Student Association closes

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

The Oregon Student Association, known as OSA, announced Oct. 9 that the organization would be formally closing its doors and suspending all action. The organization acted as a student-led nonprofit advocacy group, well-known across the state for its role in making positive changes in colleges across the state of Oregon. OSA’s website described the organization as a place to “bring students together to build collective power, develop their professional political skills and achieve concrete wings for students on the issues they care about. Through legislative advocacy and grassroots organizing, OSA is working towards a future where a quality, equitable, debt-free higher education is affordable and accessible for ALL Oregonians.”

OSA brought student access to incidental fees to fruition when students passed a bill in Oregon to grant students funding and control over their college experiences. In turn, student governments were then able to collaborate directly with their universities and represent student voices. 

Student leaders from the University of Oregon joined leaders from Oregon State University and Southern Oregon University to further explore Statewide Student Associations. They then “loaded into a van and hit the road” according to OSA’s historical page, spreading ideas about gathering funding for an organization to be founded, tied in directly with the legislature protecting higher education in the state of Oregon.

In 1975, it was given a name — the Oregon Student Association — and within one year, all public universities joined OSA. A board of governors was established and more members were instated to train students in legislative engagement and advocate on behalf of students.

This last year alone, OSA secured the Semiconductor Talent Fund and TRUs+ Behavioral Health Package and also passed SB 1502: School Board Transparency Bill, SB 1596: Right to Repair, SB 1552: Senate Education Omnibus and other higher education investments. TRUs+ Behavioral Health Package will fund multiple other universities alongside Western to create a higher capacity for licensed behavioral health workers, while the school board transparency bill will require posted live streams for governing body meetings of school districts, education service districts, community college districts and public universities.

In past years, OSA has passed bills protecting and supporting university students who experienced sexual violence, increased statewide access to job training, increased education access for incarcerated students, provided free menstrual products on campuses, allocated $19 million to fund members of Oregon Native tribes in higher education and many more.

The announcement Wednesday, Oct. 9, was posted to OSA’s website as well as social media. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of the Oregon Student Association after almost 50 years of student-led advocacy across the state. Since 1975, OSA has empowered future leaders and unified students across Oregon to build collective power to advocate for policies that create a more equitable and accessible higher education system,” it stated. “OSA has worked tirelessly for decades to ensure that the voices and rights of students were heard and respected at every level of decision-making.”

It followed after years of reports that OSA struggled financially and structurally, with tax documents from 2023 claiming a negative net worth of more than $400,000. Nick Keough, OSA’s legislative director, explained that over time, OSA received less and less per year from universities tied with the organization. Each university and college had previously decided what money to allocate toward OSA annually, but as costs rose in the country, money became essential elsewhere.

“This was an unbelievably difficult decision,” said Keough. “This decision is ultimately about recognizing recent constraints we faced and being realistic about the organization’s sustainability.”

Last summer, central leader and Executive Director Joseph Cruz and staff member José Zapata were unfortunately involved in a dangerous car accident that left Cruz critically injured with a long road to recovery and took the life of Zapata.

“The tragic loss of a staff member and the injury of our executive director have just made it incredibly cumbersome to continue operating,” said Keough.

OSA thanked their staff, coalition partners and student leaders in their announcement, expressing that it had been an honor to serve Oregon’s students. “We leave behind not just a legacy, but a call to action. To every student, organizer and advocate; your voice matters, and your work is needed… The fight for a better future for all students is far from over,” OSA stated on their Instagram.

The majority of the responses were devastated, with many commenters personally tied to OSA and remembering their long history of advocacy.

“It will be a different world without OSA’s presence, but I know the contributions it made have inspired us all,” wrote commenter Finn Jacobson from the University of Oregon. “Thank you all for your service.”

“OSA had such an impact and gave folks a truly amazing opportunity to grow and make change. Best wishes,” said Eliott Coda.

Another commenter, Courtney Veronnaeu, described her time with OSA. “OSA is where I learned the power of and how to organize the community to advance racial, gender and economic justice. So grateful for my time on staff and for the many lasting and meaningful friendships that began there.”

Alexandra Flores-Quilty, from Oregon, said: “Heartbreaking to hear. I appreciate the OSA leaders who have been supporting the (organization) during these last few difficult years.”

Portland-based supporter, Elona Wilson, expressed their admiration. “I am constantly inspired by the work (you all) have done, the people you have scaffolded and your deep commitment to Oregon’s students. 50 years of badass change is something all OSA alumni and current students should be incredibly proud of. You will be missed, but know that your legacy will continue to inspire movements far past this moment. Thank you.”

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu.

Declining literacy in America

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

All over the nation, schools have seen a decline in literacy rates among students, but Oregon has seen the steadiest decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. School closures and remote learning due to the pandemic made learning to read much more difficult for students, especially among disadvantaged youth.

In a 2023 study done among students in the Beaverton School District, 61% of third graders and 54% of seventh graders were found to be below proficient in reading. Nationwide only 46% of students were found to be proficient in reading.

Neurological research from more than 20 years ago about the proper way to teach children to read has garnered more attention recently, but the study suggests schools’ failure to teach reading using scientifically backed methods is a key factor for low test scores. 

This year’s scores on the only achievement test to represent a sample of students from every state also showed dismal results: only one of every three eighth-graders was proficient in reading. However, there have been plenty of issues found within Oregon’s reading curriculum that might be at fault for these low test scores.

“There isn’t a single reason for declining literacy rates but rather many factors contributing to it,” said Western education professor Tiffany K. Smith. “The assessments that are used to determine students’ levels of literacy are simply snapshots. They often do not reflect students’ actual literacy abilities. For example, they are timed (for consistency) and often students need more processing time. Sometimes students blow through the assessment just to get it over with. Sometimes students don’t understand directions or the questions and it can’t be further explained by the test administrator.”  

For one, the state’s standards have not been revised since 2019, meaning the standards are based on pre-pandemic learning. Secondly, the Common Core Standards, which were adopted by 41 states and four territories in 2010, focus mostly on what students need to know to be prepared for college. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of October 2023, only 61.4% of recent graduates were enrolled either part-time or full-time at a two-year or four-year university. Yet schools in Oregon continue to push the Common Core Standards in classrooms and schools. 

Even worse, Common Core Standards don’t follow the curriculum that teachers are supposed to use in their classrooms, government-appointed education experts do, and in Oregon, every one of the 197 school districts is given the ability to adopt their own core curriculum.

The Oregon Department of Education — ODE — has a list of approved curricula for school districts to adopt for teaching reading and writing. Districts who wish to deviate from this list must ensure that they choose a curriculum that includes the teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness, but face no penalty if they deviate from the ODE list and are not required to tell the state they have done so.

Many parents point the blame at the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, or NCLB, which placed consequences on schools based on students’ standardized testing scores. A study that followed a 1998-1999 kindergarten class through completion of high school found that the enactment of NCLB and the Every Student Succeeds Act that followed it have had an impact on children’s socioemotional outcomes. 

The study, which was finally published in 2017, found that the NCLB had a negative impact on students’ test-taking anxiety, which has only worsened recently. 

However, there is both good and bad news for the state of student literacy. In an executive report — The State of the American Student: Fall 2024 — published by Arizona State University’s Teachers College, statistics and a path forward were found, which teachers and school districts could follow to improve student literacy. 

The good news is that students and teachers are showing signs of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a 30-state survey, students have regained about a third of their pandemic-era learning losses and a quarter of their reading. School districts are pushing for more tutoring, high-quality curricula and extended learning times, in an effort for them to become more permanent in learning. 

The bad news is that recovery is slow and uneven among students of different backgrounds and school districts. While there has been an upward trend in the recovery that students have experienced, they are not even halfway to a full academic recovery. For students with little time left in the K-12 system, this slow rate of academic recovery is bad news. But even the so-called “COVID Babies” are entering kindergarten less prepared for grade-level learning than pre-pandemic students. 

Additionally, eight out of ten teachers say they find teaching overwhelming and have complained about inadequate support in the classroom. Lack of funding for districts and chronic absenteeism — defined as students missing at least 10% of school days — has also worsened these problems. 

One of the most important factors emerging from the pandemic was parents being unprepared to become educators for their children. Parents of students with disabilities found it difficult to provide their children with the proper services, and disadvantaged students often lacked the proper technology to be able to access online learning. 

Some states are searching for solutions to combat declining literacy and teacher fatigue. In Salem, Massachusetts, one middle school reduced absenteeism and increased achievement by making school more engaging and fun with more field trips, hands-on learning opportunities and personalized instruction. One student said, “It’s actually making me excited to go to 

school. It’s just like a happier version of school.”

The State of the American Student: Fall 2024 recommends prioritizing relationships between teachers and students, having a partnership with parents that is central to the education system and ensuring that the best strategies reach the children who need them. The report also suggests school districts get involved with policymakers and advocates to help hold institutions accountable for meeting their obligations to all students — especially those who are most vulnerable. 

“We are still seeing the effects of COVID and long-term stress and trauma on students and their families,” Smith said. “This prolonged stress and trauma has research-based effects on literacy rates.”

The first goal for teachers and school administrators is to reengage students and parents in learning. From there, they will have the ability to gain more post-pandemic academic recovery, especially in the areas of mathematics and literacy. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Women’s basketball faces turmoil

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

The Western women’s basketball team had their season cut short amidst allegations of abuse and fraudulent activity from the coaching staff. Head coach Jessica Peatross entered her first season at Western in 2023, after coaching at Division 2 school, Salem University, where she held a 14-17 record. Assistant coach Demetrius Marlow also previously coached at Salem University alongside Peatross. 

The team will not be competing in the last six games of the conference season and holds a record of three to ten in the regular season with a .231 winning percentage. In a press release statement from University President and Athletic Director Randi Lydum, it was announced that “The decision to cancel the season aligns with the highest standards of integrity and accountability within our program.” No additional information has been provided from the athletic department about the cancellation of the season, and it is uncertain whether players will retain their year of NCAA eligibility. 

A total of six sources have agreed to release statements to “The Western Howl.” All but one have chosen to remain anonymous for safety reasons.

Jessica Peatross was the Associate Head Coach at Delta College, where she eventually became Interim Head Coach before transferring to Salem University. Peatross claimed to have received a scholarship to play golf, basketball and participate in track and field. However, there are some discrepancies in the information provided in press releases concerning Peatross’ experience prior to joining the coaching staff.

An anonymous source stated that “The head coach lied on her resume that she played division one basketball when she didn’t.” Further investigation shows that the introductions for Coach Peatross into both Salem University and Western Oregon University included that “Peatross received a Division-1 scholarship to play golf, basketball and track at Chicago State University” — however, there are no digital records of Peatross ever competing or being on the roster of the Chicago State women’s basketball roster between 2010-2014, when she attended the university; there are records of Peatross competing at Chicago State in track and field and golf. 

Jack Watford, communications director for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, released an official statement to the Howl, stating that “The WBCA is aware of the announcement made on Friday by Western regarding its women’s basketball program. Other than confirming that Western Oregon head coach Jessica Peatross is a member of the association, the WBCA has no comment at this time.” 

An anonymous source who played on Salem University’s women’s team, under Peatross, stated, “I don’t think she deserves to be coaching at all — especially because she didn’t even play college basketball.”  

More allegations against Peatross include, but are not limited to, verbal abuse, threats, yelling and a lack of regard for mental health. One player claimed to have a complex relationship with Peatross, stating, “Honestly, it was very bipolar. I think her bad outweighs the good sometimes. She wasn’t a bad person at all, and we found times where we could laugh and joke around with her. But then again she was rude and I sometimes feared talking to her. I never knew what to say sometimes.” 

Another Salem University source alleges that “Coach P told one of our girls she would ruin her life if she did anything.” Another source claims that Peatross and Marlow “Threatened to cancel our season if we kept mentioning the things they were doing to their bosses.” The exact cause of the cancellation of the Western women’s basketball season, and whether or not the cancellation was a team, coach or administrative decision has not been released. 

Demetrius Marlow, also known as DJ, was previously an assistant coach with Warner University women’s varsity basketball team as well as the head coach for their junior varsity team. Marlow was also the head coach at the Tenoroc High School varsity women’s basketball team for two years. Marlow began coaching with Peatross during her stint at Salem University, where he was the assistant coach during the 2023 season. Multiple sources from Salem University shared their perspectives on Coach Marlow, particularly concerning his relationship with Peatross. 

One of the sources stated, “It was a very different vibe with only Coach Marlow. He is very capable of running a basketball team by himself, very down to earth — he is a different guy around Coach P.”  

Sorimar Morales, a Tenoroc High School basketball player who played under Marlow voiced her support, stating that “Coach DJ is someone who’s trustworthy and dependable. He’s also someone who was hard on me and my teammates but for a good cause. He’d always spread positivity, always telling the truth with his speech before and after practice.” 

Other sources conversely claim that he was unsupportive and constantly made racial remarks towards the girls within the program. Three sources stated that he regularly referred to them as “black girls” instead of their names, allegedly telling a player that she was “not supposed to be around the black girls — we’re segregating ourselves.” One other source claims that Marlow called her a “…privileged white girl — that I will never know what it’s like to be a black woman or black male, that I have it so easy.” Two of the sources from Salem University claim that Marlow called them a “waste of space,” as well as “a waste of breath” after a game; additionally, one of these sources claimed that Marlow attempted to “force a relationship between us and a boy on the (men’s basketball) team.” 

Furthermore, there are numerous allegations of physical abuse that occurred within the Salem University and Western basketball programs under both Peatross and Marlow.

An anonymous source from Western alleges that “(The) coaches have physically and mentally abused (the team) from the start of the season, having practices going over 2.5 hours and over (NCAA) rules -– ” as well as claiming that the “assistant coach even hurt (a player) so badly she had to get surgery before the season started.” 

An anonymous source from Salem University recounts their experience of physical abuse last year, alleging that “We actually had one big incident that took place — Coach Marlow was playing with (the players), and actually pushed one of the girls into a door, where she hit her head really hard. He tried to say another girl had pushed her, but he was the only one there.”

Alongside physical abuse, there are also accounts alleging that Peatross and Marlow verbally abused their players — ranging from accusations regarding invasive questions about their sexuality to demeaning language. An anonymous source from Salem University alleges that “Coach Marlow yelled at a girl during a game to the point where she hyperventilated, and after one game, Coach Peatross yelled at a girl and got in her face looking as if she wanted to fight the girl.” Sexually charged comments were allegedly repeatedly made by Peatross, with one source divulging that “Jessica would constantly ask about our sexualities, constantly asking if we liked boys or girls.” 

The allegations claim that there was irreversible damage done to the players and their season.

The anonymous source from Western claims that “Not only were we stripped of our season but we all struggled immensely and not a single person in the athletic department helped us (except) for the (athletic) training staff.” 

A Salem University source spoke about the damages inflicted on them and disclosed that “They broke down our mental health to the point where we had no repair, no uplift in any situation at all. It was kill or be killed to the point where a lot of the girl’s first years in America were ruined because they didn’t give them the proper treatment or experience. They traumatized us. Broke our bodies. We were disciplined because we were scared of what they may do, not because of how good of coaches they were. No one heard us when we seeked help, it was all turned back on us and it made us even more scared and worried about what they may do to us.” 

An official statement from Western President Jesse Peters to the Howl announced that “We remain committed to upholding the highest standards within all of our athletics programs. To that end, we have opened an investigation into these matters, and we remain committed to creating a positive and productive environment for everyone in the WOU community.”

Randi Lydum, Jessica Peatross, and Demetrius Marlow did not answer our request for comment.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Chief’s kicker under fire for commencement speech

Written by: Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor

Kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs football team, Harrison Butker, has recently come under fire for a commencement speech he gave May 11, 2024, at Benedictine College in Atchinson, Kansas. Benedictine is a Catholic college and Butker is of the Catholic faith. 

In his 20-minute address, Butker denounced abortion rights, Pride Month, COVID-19 lockdowns and “the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion,” as well as criticized Catholic Priests with a Taylor Swift lyric. But, it was how he addressed the female graduates that has been condemned the most on social media.

“I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now about to cross the stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you’re going to get in your career?” Butker asked. “Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world. But I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”

Since then, Butker has faced backlash online from fans of the Chiefs and Taylor Swift alike, with a petition circulating around social media to remove him from the team. 

The nuns of Benedictine denounced Butker’s address in a statement posted to Facebook: “The sisters of Mount St. Scholastica do not believe that Harrison Butker’s comments in his 2024 Benedictine College commencement address represent the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college that our founders envisioned and in which we have been so invested.” Mount St. Scholastica was one of the founding churches of Benedictine College. 

Members of the Catholic Church have had mixed reactions to Butker’s commencement speech, with a majority praising him for his statement. 

“I was thinking about my dad, who was also here, and how he’s probably clapping and so happy to see what he would say is a real man (reflecting) family values, good religious upbringing and representation of Christ to people,” ValerieAnne Volpe, who graduated from Benedictine with an art degree, said to the Associated Press. “You can just hear that he loves his wife. You can hear that he loves his family.”

Other students told The Associated Press in interviews that they embrace the college’s emphasis on Catholic teaching and practice.

“It’s a renewal of some really, really good things that we might have lost,” one student said. On the other end, some Catholics have lamented their frustration with Butker’s statements. One graduate, Kassidy Neuner, told The Associated Press that the kicker should have made it clear that men can be homemakers, too.

On May 24, 2024, Butker spoke at the Regina Caeli Academy Courage Under Fire Gala in Nashville, Tennessee about the backlash he has received.

“It is now, over the past few days, my beliefs or what people think I believe have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe,” Butker said Friday. “At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate. But as the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion. My hope is that tonight’s theme and our mission will embolden others, that many more will be unapologetic of their Catholic faith and never be afraid to speak out for truth, even when it goes against the loudest voices.”




Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Ten years later…

Written by: Gretchen Sims | Editor-In-Chief     Hannah Field | News Editor

Western has been a key leader among Oregon Public Universities when it comes to sustainability practices. Ackerman Hall, as one example, was not only built to be sustained by solar power — Ackerman has two types of solar panels that reduce its residents’ energy consumption by 35 percent — but goes so far as to have a built-in, 30,000-gallon tank to harvest rainwater, reducing 50 percent of potable water usage by flushing toilets.

More recently, Western saw the implementation of the ReWOUsable To-Go Container program which has helped limit excess waste of to-go boxes. Additionally, Campus Dining has a Sustainable Dining Program that works to decrease its carbon footprint by buying from local vendors to support small businesses and sustainable practices, decreasing transportation costs, when possible, and opting to compost over throwing out leftover food. 

University Housing has also moved to establish a comprehensive recycling program to decrease Western’s carbon footprint further. 

However, Western has not always had a history of supporting calls of action for climate change or sustainability, whether coming from within the house — students, staff and faculty — or community members. 

In 2014, Mark Van Steeter, a current Sustainability Professor but Geography Professor at the time, encouraged Western to take a step further in the fight against climate change and pushed to further its sustainability progressivism. Van Steeter began advocating for divestment from fossil fuels, alongside the Environmental Club on campus.

“Unlikely, but you may ask ‘why divest from fossil fuels?’ The reason is that industry must adapt rapidly to a lower carbon energy source in order to remain profitable and contain the potentially disastrous consequences of global warming. The science is extraordinarily clear. A warmer planet is not inherently a problem, the problem is that we have based industrialized society on the assumption of a stable climate and now our population numbers which increase by a quarter of a million a day cannot be sustained if significant climate disruptions continue and grow,” Van Steeter said in an email to Tommy Love and Former Western President Mark Weiss, Sept. 22, 2014. 

The day after Van Steeter reached out to Love and Weiss, an email was sent out to students and staff that read:

“I believe it may be time to start a campaign at (Western). Since we are a small university with

minimal ties to the fossil fuel industry, it may be an easy statement for us to make regarding our

vision and integrity. It is an opportunity to give (Western) public attention regarding our investment in a prosperous future for our students.” 

On Oct. 9, Van Steeter began to receive pushback for his persistence in the divestment plan. This was said in an email from James Baumgartner, the Chair of the WOU Foundation at that time:

“However, it is not appropriate, nor can I see it as anything other than a strategy to agitate, for you to make inquiries directly to the (WOU) Foundation’s investment advisor. No such firm would make disclosures about its client’s investments to random public inquiries, nor should they, and I can’t imagine me ever asking your advisors or PE(E)RS for your investment information (much less, expect them to provide it)… I will give your request appropriate consideration. However, at this point, the Foundation has decided it will not actively pursue a fossil fuel divestment policy.” 

After these email exchanges, both a student and Western Alumni requested to present before the WOU Foundation concerning the divestment, but both were denied.

On Nov. 13, 2014, Weiss divulged in an op-ed article for the Statesman Journal that, while climate change needs immediate action, divestment was not the solution. Van Steeter responded Nov. 19, also via an Opinion piece in the Statesman Journal, urging Weiss to divest. 

A few days later, Nov. 22, student activists collected over 250 peer signatures in support of divestment. 

The Foundation responded to pressure from students and staff by conducting a hearing Jan. 9, 2015, with Baumgartner and Tommy Love, executive director of the Office of University Advancement and WOU Foundation at that time. Former Western student, Beth Bello, was in attendance at this meeting. Bello founded the Environmental Club in the fall of 2014 and acted as president until she graduated in the spring of 2016. 

Both Van Steeter and Bello reported that, in this meeting, Baumgartner informed the group that he was a paid lawyer for Tar Sands Oil extraction from Canada and the Keystone Pipeline. He then went on to tell the divestment group that fossil fuel divestment would not be on the Foundation’s meeting agenda due to an incomplete proposal. 

Van Steeter attests that “All information regarding questions was provided, but not in the appropriate format.”

Baumgartner recommended the divestment advocates present before the Planned Giving and Finance Committee of the Foundation which, if found favorable, could land them back on the agenda.

The Western Howl, known at that time as the Western Oregon Journal, reported on previous meetings discussing divestment in Nov. of 2014. “…in attendance at the meeting was Tommy Love, executive director in the Office of University Advancement and WOU Foundation. Love said divesting is a complicated issue and the foundation wants to make sure they do what’s right,” wrote Laura Knudson, a former Editor-In-Chief.

Also in that article, Love reportedly said, “‘I don’t want students to think that the foundation and myself do not recognize the issue of climate change…’ Divesting is ‘one way to do it, but let’s have a campus-wide conversation to address global climate change.’”

“Unfortunately, I am not surprised that (Western)’s Board has chosen to ignore student voices and undeniable scientific evidence on the issue of climate change. During our meeting with the board in January of 2015, the chair of the WOU Foundation, Jim Baumgartner, revealed that he was a paid lawyer for Tar Sands Oil extraction from Canada and the Keystone Pipeline. He made it abundantly clear that he was worried about his personal investments and had no intention of voting to divest due to this conflict of interest. I think the entire divestment team lost hope at his words,” said Bello. 

Bello is now a teacher at North Salem High School and teaches AP Human Geography, following in Van Steeter’s footsteps. 

“At the time of our meeting, (Western)’s mission statement included the assertion that (Western) ‘Continuously improves our educational, financial, and environmental sustainability.’ One of our main arguments in the divestment campaign was that (Western)’s board was not living up to its mission statement. Nine years later, the university has removed all mention of environmental sustainability and global citizenship. I have to admit, I think it’s because they realized we were right,” said Bello.  

While the Board meeting did not end in the divestment group’s favor, Bello still managed to take something away from the experience. 

“In a way, the board’s decision not to divest from fossil fuels has empowered me. It took time, but it helped me to understand the terrible cost of human greed and how insignificant my efforts were in combating that. If we had gotten what we wanted, I might have thought that creating change is easy — all you have to do is collect signatures and wave signs and point out hypocrisy — but that’s not true. Change has to come from the top. Only constant economic pressure from citizens will force governments and industries into changing,” said Bello.

This meeting was not wholly unsuccessful for those in favor of Western’s divestment from fossil fuels. 

A Socially Responsible Fund was established in 2016, which promised a divestment from fossil fuels when the fund reached $20,000. 

“(The WOU Foundation) did make a fund that does not invest in fossil fuels or tobacco, but to my knowledge, it’s just sitting there with a small amount of money in it. And not promoted at all,” Van Steeter said.

Van Steeter, himself, donated to the fund alongside a small group of colleagues however, no changes have been spotted in regards to the promotion of the Socially Responsible Fund from 2016, the same fund that Mark and two other colleagues donated to close to eight years ago.

“On the divestment scene, I submitted to the faculty senate (a proposal) and the faculty senate passed it, approved it. But the faculty senate is simply an advisory body. And the foundation, more or less, kept telling me to get lost and would agree to meet with students, but then basically do nothing. It was a pretty interesting experience seeing how you can play like you’re acting with integrity, but you aren’t… It was a little humbling,” said Van Steeter. 

More recently, a member of the Monmouth-Independence Climate Task Force, a community group, approached Western with an idea that could both make the campus more sustainable and save the the college money — all at little or no cost due to federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act  One task force member, Skip Wenz writes a column for several newspapers in the Willamette Valley titled “Your Ecological House.” While this column first started as a sustainable home renovation guide, it has now turned into a discussion about climate change. 

Wenz also was the founder and Director of the Ecological Design Program at the San Francisco Institute of Architecture, and has worked in the sustainability field for several decades.

Wenz first met solar expert, Dan Orzech of the Oregon Clean Power Cooperative, at a church in Salem that had recently installed solar panels — Orzech led this project, as well as a project to install solar panels at Oregon State University. 

In 2022, President Joseph Biden signed the IRA, providing major tax incentives for not-for-profit institutions to switch to clean energy. Wenz thought that this might be a good opportunity for Western.

“He and I, and a couple of members of our little group actually scoped out a map, a Google map, of the campus online. And he had a couple of ideas of where, you know, just from looking at the map, where some (solar panels might go),” Wenz said. 

It was around this time when Wenz began to correspond with Western’s Current President, Jesse Peters. Wenz pitched an IRA funded solar panel installation idea to Peters.

“He gave me the name of somebody there that he wanted me to write, who I did write two or three times and never heard back from,” Wenz said. 

“I’m not sure what, if anything, could happen (because of The Inflation Reduction Act). From what I know, the best way for this college to get its hands on federal money (is) to do more solar stuff. (Western could) hire (Orzech) as a consultant to plan a solar installation with IRA funding, because he’s an expert and he’s done it on several (occasions). Western Oregon is qualified, it’s a type of institution that they specifically designed this money to go to,” said Wenz. 

After not getting a response to his numerous emails, Wenz stopped pushing. 

“I didn’t wanna push too hard because I didn’t wanna alienate anybody, especially Jesse Peters… he did what a good administrator does, which is, send me to somebody else… And for all I know, you know, somebody over there is already working on it, but I haven’t heard anything about it,” Wenz said. 

Sustainable practices are usually associated with climate change, but there would be other benefits that Western could gain by switching to a local power source such as solar panels. 

“If you are replacing a consumable, like electricity, that you are buying from someone else, with what we could call capital expenses, which is equipment you buy once, and then you can use it for 20 years, you’re stabilizing the costs of the power you generate, and so the fluctuations in the electricity market won’t affect you as drastically. If you either set it up as a microgrid to be independent from the larger grid, or you add local storage, you buy resiliency in the case of natural disasters,” said Stephen Howard, a member of the Monmouth-Independence Climate Task Force. 

Howard’s interest in climate issues began when he was a student studying architecture — which led to an interest in urban design. During his nearly 25 years in the industry, Howard has learned that “…a lot of the solutions, certainly not all of them, but many solutions, to the climate (are) in the urban design space, in terms of how our buildings are built and how we access services and work and school. Where you live and how it’s developed (has) a lot to do with your personal carbon footprint, more than what you choose to buy or what you own.”

Howard mentioned that the Monmouth-Independence community that surrounds Western would also benefit from the university generating its own electricity with the installation of solar panels. 

“This is an indirect benefit to Western, but the amount of electricity that our community pulls from Bonneville, we pay a certain rate, a wholesale rate to Bonneville, and as the amount of electricity our community demands goes up, we will eventually hit a higher tier price for that electricity, so the more electricity we generate locally, the more we push off that date of having to pay more for our power. So whether it’s Western, or the local governments, or the school district, or individual homeowners, the more local power we generate, the cheaper we keep our electricity,” Howard said. 

Upon contacting President Peters for a comment, he offered one statement and redirected the rest of his questions to the Director of Marketing and Communications, Maureen Brakke, who also acts as the Public Information Officer for Western.

“Though it can be a slow and difficult process, (Western) has taken steps over the years to address sustainability. This is particularly important in a time of rapidly changing climate, and even small actions can make a difference. I have no doubt that the students and employees in our community will continue to find ways to be part of the solution,” Peters said. 

Brakke commented on some ways Western Students have previously practiced sustainability. “Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, (Western)’s residence halls had a Green Team whose purpose was to implement and coordinate the residence hall recycling program which included collection and maintenance of centralized recycling locations throughout the residence halls. Additionally, they provided educational programming that increased environmental and sustainability awareness within the residence halls. This program isn’t currently active but it is a sustainability initiative that they plan to bring back soon,” said Brakke. 

It has yet to be seen who is in charge of the initiative or when it will be revived.

“Regarding your foundation investment question, the WOU Foundation Board established a Socially Responsible Fund in 2016, and we will continue to seek growth in that account. The leadership at the Foundation has changed a lot since then, but we are exploring new ways to promote and grow the fund,” Brakke said. 

The WOU Foundation did not respond to Van Steeter’s emails or calls in his effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information regarding the fund. 

“We hope to continue to make ongoing improvements to reducing, reusing and recycling on campus, and become more energy efficient, looking at using more efficient appliances, lighting, etc. Our community is also engaged in more walking, biking, carpooling and using our local Trolley, we encourage our community to continue to utilize these more environmentally friendly modes of transportation when possible. We also actively plant new trees where we have to remove trees on campus. As a public university, we follow Oregon state laws and policies regarding environmental regulation,” said Brakke.

In the end, it’s important to foster open, productive conversations about climate change. It’s easy to advocate for climate change by sounding alarms about the negative consequences of not taking action, but “…that’s really only half the conversation. We need to spend at least as much effort imagining how much better things will be when we get this right,” said Howard.

“I think as much as we need the warnings of what could go wrong, we also need something to look forward to. And without both, I think it’s a lot harder to get people on board, avoiding something that seems sort of nebulous and negative versus having a goal to reach for. And so I would encourage the campus, whether it’s the student body, or the staff and faculty, or everybody combined, to really think about the positives and what we could have if we put the work in now to build a better future,” Howard continued. 

“For a while, losing the fight for divestment made me feel hopeless, but I don’t feel that way anymore. It taught me about the insidious and pervasive reach of the oil industry. The whole experience taught me that I have a voice that can be used for change, and even if that change doesn’t happen overnight, I am one of countless people that will collectively use our voices to transform the world,” said Bello. 

“I’m not saying that we should throw all our money into sustainability and then have the rest of the university collapse,” said Van Steeter. “But we need to start putting it on the agenda whenever we’re making decisions… I would love to have Western be this icon of a small public university that focuses on sustainability and offers these really high-quality programs with small class sizes. We have all the tools to do that — (Western is) really just beautiful.”

Van Steeter remains hopeful that someday the college will divest from fossil fuels.

Contact the authors at howleditorinchief@wou.edu and howlnews@wou.edu 

ASWOU elections

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

The Associated Students of Western are expecting to elect President Brenda Rocio Martinez, Vice President Fernando Robles and Judicial Administrator Morgan Pemberton into office for the 2024-2025 academic school year. The trio is running as a team and remains unopposed.

Expected incoming president, Rocio Martinez, described herself as a proud first-generation Latina student at Western. “I am running for ASWOU President to represent and support all students who want their voices heard. My candidacy is driven by my understanding of the unique challenges and aspirations of being the first in my family to pursue higher education,” she wrote on Presence, the website permitting for the ASWOU election.

“I am committed to using my and others’ perspectives to advocate for crucial changes that support our diverse student populations, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.”

Rocio Martinez explained her initiatives to be primarily focused on bridging connections between students and higher-ups in attempts to “enrich the university experience.” Simultaneously, Rocio Martinez pledges to expand relationships, resources and support for everyone.

Robles, running for Vice President, left a statement as well: “I’m running for vice president because I would want to make an impact on campus.”

Judicial Administrator candidate Pemberton stated, “I’m running for judicial office because I care deeply about our campus community and making sure everyone’s voice is heard… One thing you should know about me is that I’m all about diversity and inclusion. I truly believe that embracing our differences makes our community stronger and more vibrant.”

Pemberton also promoted creating a collective judicial system that properly reflects the campus’s values and promotes fairness and equality in the community.

ASWOU opened elections March 8 and cannot conclude until 10 percent of the student body has voted — allowing for enough student voices to be heard so that the results can be deemed fair.

All other open positions allow for write-in candidates, meaning that anyone may be named to potentially fill the position. The write-in positions include the following: Senate President; three openings on the Incidental Fee Committee; 11 openings for ASWOU Senate: Senate Candidates; and three openings for the ASWOU Judicial Board: Judicial Candidates.
As of May 29, voting is still ongoing. To vote, students must list their V number and certify that they are Western students and will abide by the election results.


Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

MMIWCTS Awareness Month

Written by: Lili Minato | Freelancer

Content warning: this article contains mentions of murder and violence. 

May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Children and Two Spirit Awareness Month. May 5 is National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Native and Indigenous communities in North America have experienced an epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous people for decades. 

Native Hope — a resource for Native communities — released a statement on the crisis. “Sisters, wives, mothers and daughters are gone from their families without clear answers. There are families whose loved ones are missing — babies growing up without mothers, mothers without daughters and grandmothers without granddaughters. For Native Americans, this adds one more layer of trauma upon existing wounds that cannot heal. Communities are pleading for justice.” 

For dozens of years, Indigenous women have gone missing and experienced violence, and police have historically been unhelpful in finding these women. This is how the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Movement began. Family and community members have fought to find and bring justice to those lost and victimized. 

In recent years, there has been an increase in awareness. In 2021, Secretary of the Interior and Laguna Pueblo Tribal citizen, Deb Haaland, created the Missing and Murdered Unit. This unit was open for Indigenous people to assist with cases and to make their voices heard. 

In 2023, the Not Invisible Act Commission released an over 200-page report to Congress, detailing their findings surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous people and over 300 recommendations on how to address the epidemic. 

While the awareness movement first focused on the missing and murdered Indigenous women, it has now moved to focus on children and Two-Spirit people as well.

The symbol for MMIWCTS is a recognizable red handprint, which is usually placed over the mouths of individuals. This represents standing with victims who have been silenced. 

Murder is the third leading cause of death for Indigenous women and 84 percent of Indigenous women and girls have experienced violence. The violence against Indigenous women has reached epidemic levels and is considered a national crisis. 

May is a critical month for remembering MMIP loss, educating oneself and becoming aware of the silent epidemic that has been occurring.

Special thanks to the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe. 

For more resources and education, check out Native Hope’s website — https://www.nativehope.org. 

For survivor support on campus, look to Abby’s House in the Werner University Center in room 106 or on their website — wou.edu/abbyshouse. 

Contact the author at lminato22@mail.wou.edu

Freedom of expression

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

Western’s Freedom of Expression event occurred May 10, 2024, where students, faculty and any interested persons gathered to discuss amplifying voices, advocating for important causes and civic engagement. The event was sponsored by Western’s Humanities and Social Science Divisions and ran from 9:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Planning for the event took months, beginning in the fall and eventually culminating in the successful orchestration of a group discussion this spring.

Organizer and professor in Political Science, Mary Pettenger, described the collective goal of the event. “Our hope was to really get them to think about ways they can actually make change. We gave them handouts on different strategies about how you might go about (with) the change, but also, for us, it was important,” said Pettenger. “We’ve all experienced (being unable) to articulate what it is that you want.”
The event fostered a safe space for open-ended discussion, ranging from First Amendment rights to worldwide news, which Pettenger deemed successful.

“The thing with the workshop that I emphasize is that it’s all a personal choice,” said Pettenger. “All of these actions are personal. You have to commit, to want to do it, and you have to commit yourself, your time and your energy to these things. And I think that it’s really important.”

Tablings and panels, such as this one, exist to provide students with a “foot in the door” — a method of experiencing discussions centered around civic engagement, limiting commitment while allowing for accessibility and an open window into opportunities.

The event organized a strategies workshop at 10:15 a.m. before transitioning to “Conversations about Freedom of Expression” at 12:30 p.m. Sections were purposefully added to address multiple ways to garner support and advocate for a cause while evaluating the fine lines of civil disobedience and the true definition of freedom of expression.

“Another goal we had in the event was to start conversations on campus because it hasn’t been (the best) space to have these conversations,” said Pettenger. “Everybody has perceived that students are unwilling to share for a variety of reasons. Either they’re worried about being attacked or they don’t feel comfortable sharing their views — they don’t feel safe in that space. So we wanted to have more of a conversation, a place where people can have conversations.”

Pettenger added that the workshop may be replicated in the next academic year, possibly with different topics of discussion, so students will have to keep an eye out to catch it.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Upcoming events

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

May 23 — 

The S’More You Know

6 p.m. at the firepit outside of the Werner University Center

Join the Office of Student Conduct in roasting marshmallows and making s’mores outside on campus with a chance to walk away with some prizes.

May 24 —

4-Hour Workshop with Jessica Rehfield Community Building: Safety Concerns

12 p.m. in Campbell Hall

Salem artist, Jessica Rehfield, will be returning to offer advice, feedback and reviews on previously submitted artistic proposals. This event will be open to all students and campus organization affiliates.

ASL Club: ASL Club’s 30th Birthday

6 p.m. in RWEC 101

The ASL Club will be celebrating 30 years of registered clubhood on campus. The event will be held in ASL only.

May 28 —

ASL Club: Video Game Night

6 p.m. in RWEC 202

Catch the ASL Club hosting a group game night in ASL only. The calendar posting cheers “Let’s go, gamers!”

May 29 —

Free Meditation Group on Campus

6 p.m. in the Santiam Room of the Werner University Center

“Join us Wednesday night for gentle yoga stretches, guided meditation, Yoga Nidra and kirtan music meditation.”

John Proctor is The Villain: Spring Theatre Department Production

“At a rural high school in Georgia, a group of lively teens are studying ‘The Crucible’ while navigating young love, sex ed, and a few school scandals. Holding a contemporary lens to the American classic, they begin to question who is really the hero and what is the truth, discovering their own power in the process. Alternately touching and bitingly funny, this new comedy captures a generation in mid-transformation, running on pop music, optimism, and fury, writing their own coming of age story.”

According to the calendar description, Guest Faculty Director Raissa Fleming will be directing, and the play will run May 29, 30, 31 and June 1 at 2 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. and June 1 at 2 p.m. will be interpreted in ASL. The show will be viewed in Rice Auditorium at 344 Knox St N, Monmouth, OR. Lot B on Knox Street will host free parking.

Students get in free with their student ID. General admission tickets are $14, while student general admission is $8. Tickets for senior citizens and Western faculty and staff are $10.

“Advisory: John Proctor is the Villain contains racist/sexist micro aggressions, depictions of grooming and abusive relationship dynamics, discussion of sexual assault and exploitation.”

May 31 —

Ho’ike 2024

5 p.m. in the Pacific Room of the Werner University Center

“In Hawaiian, Ho’ike means ‘to show or exhibit.’ Ho’ike at (Western) is a show that will exhibit our culture through student performances. Similar to a Luau experience, at Ho’ike, you get to enjoy Hula performances, a traditional Hawaiian dinner, a chance to win local/Hawaiian goods and so much more.”

Tickets for Western students cost $12 and public tickets are $15.

June 4 —

ASL Club – Deaf LGBTQ+ Panel

6 p.m. in RWEC 202

In celebration of Pride month, ASL Club will be hosting a panel acknowledging Deaf Queer individuals and groups. The event will be in ASL only.

June 5 —

Groove in the Grove

8 p.m.

“Get groovy” and participate in plenty of activities, games and DJ performances.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Drink One for Dane

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

Every year, Dutch Bros Coffee holds its annual Drink One for Dane in honor of co-founder Dane Boersma, who passed away from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in 2009. This year, Drink One for Dane took place on Friday, May 17, 2024, with cars lined up around the block in support of finding the cure for ALS. 

For every drink sold on this day, the Dutch Bros Foundation will donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA is the leading non-profit organization in research, care, advocacy, education and professional programming of ALS. The MDA website quotes President and CEO Donald Wood, “Rare neuromuscular diseases stand as some of the most challenging puzzles in science and medicine today… but at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, thanks to your support, we’re tackling these challenges head-on and we’re seeing results.”

ALS is a disease of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movements; slowly breaking down motor neurons until they are destroyed. The muscles these motor neurons control become weak and dysfunctional as the neurons dissipate. Those with ALS face muscle weakness, disability and eventual breakdown of mechanisms needed to survive. The causes of the vast majority of ALS cases are still unknown and there is currently no cure — but scientists have hope for the future. 

MDA’s science programs are constantly pursuing new methods of research and have made groundbreaking discoveries in the past decade, particularly with ALS. One of the most significant breakthroughs was the discovery that many genes, when flawed, can cause ALS — a first step in figuring out what causes ALS and finding a cure. 

These significant research discoveries are all made possible by donations and contributions, like Drink One for Dane. 

Chief Marketing Officer at Muscular Dystrophy Association, Morgan Roth is quoted in the Dutch Bros website, “When we lift our cups to Drink One for Dane, we’re not only honoring the legacy of Dane Boersma, we’re actually igniting hope across the ALS and neuromuscular disease communities. We’re telling the world that we believe in the promise of MDA’s research to end ALS and reaffirming our commitment to bold action in the face of a disease that takes too many, too soon. Every beverage fuels our momentum and that momentum fuels our certainty that we can — and will — defeat ALS.” 

Last year, the Dutch Bros Foundation raised 2.5 million dollars and one can only hope they exceed that this year. May is also ALS awareness month, so if one wasn’t able to make it to their local Dutch Bros for Drink One for Dane this year, the Dutch Bros website provides a link that allows customers to donate directly to MDA at www.dutchbros.com/drink-one-for-dane. 

Help find a cure to end ALS. 

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Tuition increase

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

All seven public, four-year universities in Oregon plan to raise tuition costs from three to five percent for the 2024-2025 academic school year.

Oregon State University’s in-state and full-time students will be expected to pay $14,400 per year; University of Oregon students are expecting more than $16,100; while Portland State University students can expect a $11,800 tuition. All three universities have the highest enrollment rates in the state.

Maureen Brakke, the director of marketing and communications at Western, made a statement in a post to the Western’s home website. “The Tuition Advisory Committee, which includes students, staff, and faculty, submitted a proposed five percent tuition increase, which was accepted by President Jesse Peters and presented to the Board of Trustees on April 17,” said Brakke.

In the same post, Peters shared his sentiment: “We take pride in offering students a tailored educational experience, fostering a sense of belonging, and delivering quality support services. We have worked hard to maintain affordability without compromising the exceptional quality of education and services that define Western,” Peters said.

Western, being the second least expensive public university in Oregon out of the seven, will increase tuition to nearly five percent for resident tuition and 4.86 percent for non-resident undergraduate tuition.

Eastern Oregon University, the least expensive public four-year university, will be resting at about $1,000 less than Western, with students expected to pay approximately $11,000 for in-state, full-time enrollment tuition.

Graduate tuition will rise by five percent, with no variation regarding residency. Summer 2024 tuition rates will be increased at the same rate as the 2024-2025 academic year cost.

In 2023, tuition at Western was raised by 3.09 percent for the 2023-2024 academic school year. Pre-pandemic, the 2017-2018 school year increased tuition by 6.4 percent, with the 2018-2019 school year having a proposed 4.03 percent increase, although it has not been confirmed whether or not this increase occurred. 

The 2019-2020 school year was approved for a 2.33 percent raise, equivalent to four dollars per credit, alongside the 2021-2022 school year receiving a 2.17 percent increase in tuition for resident undergraduate students.

The next academic year will leave Western at a higher tuition rate of about 18.85 percent at least since 2017 at the earliest, not including the suspected 4.03 percent increase from 2018-2019, and leaving out nonresident rates, which tend to be higher than resident tuition.

Statistics from Datausa.io reflect Western, in 2021, as having a 91.6 percent acceptance rate for incoming students but a graduation rate of less than half, at 48.3 percent. The same website lists Western’s tuition is $14,724 less than the national average overall from all Masters Colleges and Universities in the country.

Nationally, college average costs inflated nearly 12 percent annually from 2012 to 2022 according to educationdata.org.

It should be noted that the Incidental Funding Committee approved all requested base-level funding and additional funding requests at Western without raising student incidental fees. When discussing tuition rates, this excludes all fees such as health service fees, building fees, access to the recreational center, room and board costs, late payment fees and online course fees, alongside any other expenses students may be expected to pay.

“This slight tuition increase reflects our dedication to sustaining the excellence that makes us truly extraordinary,” said Peters in the latest statement — last year, when tuition increased by 3.09 percent, he said, “Our students are not just numbers; they are the future leaders of Oregon and the world, and we always look for new and innovative ways to support them.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Students protest on college campus

Written by: Libby Thoma | Staff Writer

Content warning: this article contains mentions of police violence.

 

Pro-Palestine protests have been taking place all over U.S. college campuses. According to NPR, students are asking for campuses not to support businesses that diverge with Israel. Campuses include the University of New Mexico, The University of Chicago, Columbia University, UCLA, California State Polytechnic University and more. 

These protests have led several colleges to instill holds on graduation ceremonies and, in some cases, police have been called, forcing a discussion regarding police violence towards student protestors. 

School-wide graduation ceremonies at colleges such as Columbia University and the University of Southern California have been canceled due to campus unrest and police activity. Police activity has been an ongoing issue on campuses where protests have taken place. Some are comparing the events at these protests to the Vietnam protests at Kent University, in which four students died due to police violence. 

Although no fatal incidents have occurred in these protests, colleges are actively trying to mitigate violence or illegal acts perpetrated by protestors and police alike. While peaceful protests are ideal, there have still been some violent events surrounding these recent protests. 

There have been instances of violence occurring between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protestors, entailing shoving, kicking and the groups beating each other with sticks. Additionally, there is the ongoing issue of students committing illegal acts on campuses such as trespassing and vandalism. Police have arrested more than 2,000 student protestors for various reasons, and there has been a circulation of videos online depicting police violence towards these protestors. Police on campuses, such as UCLA, came prepared for potential altercations in riot gear. 

The thin line between protesting and civil disobedience and what the police should and shouldn’t do has been debated throughout these protests. The importance of students, police and other civilians’ safety shouldn’t be underestimated, and these situations must be handled carefully. 

Contact the author at ethoma23@mail.wou.edu

 

Psychology grad school fair

Written by: Forest Schostalo | Freelancer

The Psychology Peer Advising Center, PsychPAC, will hold a graduate school fair on May 21 in the Werner University Center. The event will run from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Room and will have at least 13 programs in attendance. 

When asked about the importance of this event, John Thoma, PsychPAC’s graduate school coordinator, said, “Many people don’t know how to go about grad school; this is their very first time showing interest. The mystery creates a lot of questions, but you don’t always know which ones you are supposed to ask.” 

This will be the second-ever graduate school fair that PsychPAC has hosted, following the success of last year’s event. According to Thoma, the event will be a great way for students interested in graduate school to not only learn more about graduate school but also become acquainted with the people who work at these schools. “Go in representing yourself and the best person that you are. These are the people who could be interviewing you when you apply, that’s how it was for me at Geroge Fox,” said Thoma.

In preparation for the Grad Fair, PsycPAC curated a list of Dos and Don’ts for students attending the event. They suggest preparing several questions in advance to get a full picture of what the school has to offer. They also suggest talking to the school one is most interested in last to get some practice before seeing them. Finally, they suggest wearing something that is more professional. If one doesn’t have anything professional, the Stitch Closet on campus can help.

PsychPAC also puts forward some don’ts. Don’t only look at the information on the table, instead talk to the attendants to obtain a full understanding of what they have to offer. Don’t leave mid-conversation if you discover you aren’t interested in the school, finish the conversation, and politely excuse yourself and thank them for their time. Finally, don’t save questions for a later time —this is a good opportunity to ask any questions, including about topics like financial aid or what they are looking for in an application, as some topics are better off not mentioned in an interview. 

PsychPAC serves as a way for psychology majors at Western to get advice from their peers who are also involved in the psychology program. The advisors include people at various levels within the major, with varied career aspirations and who have taken different courses within the program. They can help with registering for classes, removing advising holds, understanding degree tracks and more. They are located in Todd Hall, Room 339, and are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Several advisors from PsychPAC will be at the event ready to answer questions from students. “This is a perfect opportunity to gain information about grad school. You can then immediately come over to our table to make a plan to make that goal happen,” Thoma said. “We can help make a schedule for next year or figure out what classes or volunteer opportunities you should focus on.” 

The center will also be open during its normal hours on the day of the event for people who have any questions.

Many of the colleges with psychology-related graduate programs from across the state will be in attendance at the fair: private universities like George Fox and Pacific University, Public universities like Oregon State and the University of Oregon and even Western Oregon and its new Occupational Therapy Program will be represented. 

A full list of the universities that will be represented at the fair, what programs they offer, if they are accredited in any way and what makes these programs unique and special is available on the PsychPAC website.

For anyone who may be nervous about attending an event like the Graduate School fair, Thoma has some advice. “It’s okay to not know everything, that’s why we do these things. You can talk to these people and say it’s your first grad school fair and just by doing that you’ll learn what kinds of things you need to ask, don’t be afraid to not know.” 

Any questions about the event can be directed towards the PsychPAC email: peeradvising@mail.wou.edu or can be asked in person during their operating hours.

Contact the author at fschostalo21@mail.wou.edu

AANHPI Month

Written by: Lili Minato | Freelancer

The month of May celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritage. The celebratory month began its process of becoming federally recognized in 1977, when two members of the House of Representatives — Frank Horton and Norman Mineta — declared to the President that the first 10 days of May should be Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. 

The following year, President Jimmy Carter called for Heritage Week to be annually celebrated. Then, 12 years later, President George H.W. Bush extended the week to be an entire month. 

In 1992, it was signed into law that May would be AANHPI month. The first Japanese immigrants came to the country in May of 1843, which makes the month significant to AANHPI history. 

The Filipino American Association at Western shared what AANHPI Heritage Month means to them: “Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month taught me how to embrace my heritage and has allowed me to be more comfortable with representing my cultural identity. This month is a reminder of the rich diversity of the country and that it is important to celebrate that,” said Carl Garon, a graduate student at Western. 

Briar Durias, a senior at Western said, “This month, for me, is not only honoring my identity but also honoring, remembering, and being thankful for those who have given me the opportunity for the life I have now.” 

The theme of AANHPI Heritage Month this year is Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future. “This year’s theme means enrichment and inclusivity to me,” said Garon. 

“The theme of this year is a reminder to everyone that history is there to help us understand the hardships many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders faced and currently face. Most importantly, it speaks to the importance of understanding where we come from and recognizing the legacies and impacts of history on our present realities — this theme encourages reflection on how our ancestor’s actions shaped the world and how our actions, as a collective community, can help shape the world for the next generations to come.” 

When asked about how one can support the AANHPI community, Marione Corpus — a Western senior — explained, “It’s also important to continue educating yourself on what’s happening around the world. It’s important to stay educated and to find ways you can help whether it be through educating yourself, donating, supporting and advocating.” 

“Understanding the experiences and backgrounds of AAPI members is a big step in fostering a stronger bond between us and those who are not AAPI,” said Western junior, Micah Larioza.

In celebration of the month, Western is hosting events and exhibits to share the culture and heritage of our AANHPI community.

Hamersly Library houses a book and film display filled with culturally significant media to celebrate the month. There is a range of educational to recreational materials for all ages. Some noteworthy titles include the following: “The Magic Fish” by Trung Le Nguyen, “To Paradise” by Hanya Yanagihara and “In the Mood for Love” directed by Wong Kar-wai. 

On May 31, the Hawai’i Club is hosting Ho’ike, a celebration of Hawaiian culture through food, music and dance. 

Ho’ike is taking place in the Pacific Room of the Werner University Center with tickets selling for $12 for Western students and $15 for the community. Doors open at 5 p.m. to a beautiful display of celebration and admiration through cultural performances, a Hawaiian dinner, games and more. 

A very special thanks to the Filipino American Association here at Western. 

Contact the author at lminato22@mail.wou.edu

Holocaust memorial

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

In commemoration of the lives lost in the Holocaust and violence tied to World War II, Western continued their annual tradition by placing thousands of flags along Monmouth Avenue from May 3 – 7.

Western’s description of the event on the school-wide calendar directly quoted the Holocaust Encyclopedia for a definition: “The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million European Jews by the Nazi German regime and its allies and collaborators. The Holocaust was an evolving process that took place throughout Europe between 1933 and 1945.”

“These flags are meant to be a large, powerful display representing the lives of millions lost,” said Western’s calendar description. “There are different colored flags that represent the lives lost of certain peoples. The yellow flags represent the biggest number of Jewish lives lost.”

Multiple other flag colors lined the streets during the event, such as blue, red, white, green, brown, orange, purple, pink, lime green and light blue. In order, the communities they represent are as follows: Soviet civilians, Soviet prisoners of war, Polish civilians, Serbian civilians, Romani people, people with disabilities, repeat criminal offenders, LGBTQ+ people, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Spanish republicans.

The flags, although disrupted by the construction along Monmouth Avenue, shined bright against the backdrop of Western’s spring campus and were eye-catching to passersby.

“Every year for Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah, we place thousands of flags along Monmouth Avenue to commemorate the lives lost,” said Western in an Instagram post. “This display provides an opportunity for reflection as a community… Thank you to the volunteers and (Western Student Engagement), who helped with the flags for this year’s remembrance.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The male loneliness epidemic

Written by: Cami Ansley | Copy Editor

Content warning: this article contains mentions of suicide

On May 3, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned the public about “our epidemic of loneliness and isolation.” Within the past year, a focus has shifted to the loneliness faced by men, coining the argument that a “male loneliness epidemic” has arisen. Despite what the name may suggest, the “loneliness” attributed to this epidemic is not solely limited to romantic relationships.

For one, research conducted in 2021 found that 15% of men claim that they have no close friends, a staggering 12% increase since 1990. A study published by Equimundo in 2023 found that a majority of men, ranging from older Millennials to Generation Z, agree with the statement, “No one really knows me well,” with Generation Z having the highest percentage of agreement among all respondents. In this same publication, a majority of men stated that they only have one or two close friends in their area that they feel they can confide in outside of their family. 

In the realm of romantic relationships, men are more likely to be single and have less sex than women. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that six in ten men under the age of 30 are single, nearly double the rate of women at the time. The Equimundo study found that roughly one in five men are either not looking for a relationship or are unable to find sexual partners. 

These statistics about loneliness have been connected to poor mental and physical health. Specifically, greater risk of premature death, cardiovascular illness, anxiety, dementia, depression and stroke have all been associated with loneliness. 40% of the men surveyed in the Equimundo study had met the screening standards for depressive symptoms, while 44% had experienced suicidal ideation within the last two weeks.

In addition, men are nearly four times more likely than women to commit suicide, accounting for nearly 80% of all suicides despite them making up only 50% of the population. In fact, the U.S. male suicide rate reached its peak of 14.3 per 100,000 men in 2022.

In light of the emergence and popularization of the male loneliness epidemic, there has been discourse regarding its legitimacy, specifically in regards to the exclusive focus on men when it comes to discussing the general loneliness epidemic. Disparities in loneliness have been found to age, race, financial status, sexuality and disability, but, according to some critics, not for gender. The measurement of loneliness as well as the interpretation of select studies and statistics has also been cited as reasons for skepticism. 

Regardless of its specificity to the male population or not, Dr. Vivek Murthy’s publication about the epidemic of loneliness has been acknowledged as a cause for concern.

Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

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