Written by: Taylor Duff | Freelancer

Back in March of 2023, an article was released called “Writers are not keeping up” — published by the Writers Guild of America contract. This article was the start of the Writer’s Strike, expressing how writers are feeling devalued and objectified in harsh work environments, including tiny rooms and decreased pay as well as being overworked.

The demand for writers is based on the switch to streaming from many if not most, entertainment channels. Because of the high demand, another complaint is the lack of experienced writers being hired to fill the gaps — with below or bare minimum pay giving the green light to have an excuse to pay less.

Writers have also stated they have felt like second class to the actors and directors — being undervalued in the workplace despite doing double the amount of work and hours.

As a result of this strike taking place, the Screen Actor Guild also went on strike, and actors across all platforms made statements and interviews about the unfair treatment and harassment of their writers and staff.

Actors such as Amanda Seyfried, Rob Lowe and Wonda Sykes all stood in solidarity with the writers during the protest. One main reason the actors joined the strike with the writers was to address the use of AI versions of themselves; using their likeness for gain in media. The SAG strike lasted until Nov. 9 of this year, meaning both WGA and SAG strikes are now over. WAG reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers back in September, and slowly but surely, they reached an agreement with the Screen Actors Guild as well.

As for what this means for entertainment, the agreement is effective in protecting writers and giving proper residuals for international viewing. Due to streaming becoming the new wave of entertainment, the agreement takes effect now giving proper pay toward its writers with the royalties standing in their favor.

Many movies will be delayed due to the strike shutting down production studios, with many directors and producers walking out. TV shows may resume, but will also be pushed back for months without new episodes. As for actors, the agreement gives them more security knowing they are protected against their likeness being used.

As for the future of entertainment, the WGA contract term will be in effect until May 2026 — keeping in effect this protection for the people behind the entertainment consumed.

Contact the author at tduff23@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

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Right and left wing supporters clash at the Capitol

Protesters in Salem cause conflict in anti-fascism demonstration

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

On March 28, over 100 anti-fascist demonstrators contested with right wing supporters and police at the Oregon State Capitol after learning of a right wing Freedom Caravan’s plans to drive through the Capitol to “honor those who fought for our freedoms,” as stated in the rally advertisement.

Initially, the counter protest, labeled by the groups as “Fascist Free 503,” intended to deter the rally from reaching the Capitol. However, after a Salem police report claimed there were ongoing reports of criminal activity, Court Street was closed at around 3:45 p.m. and the gathering was declared unlawful. Police began migrating the groups north of the Capitol, announcing any lingering people would be subjected to arrest and potentially impact weapons, munitions and tear gas.

The group — dressed in bullet proof vests, gas masks and armed with shields or bats — continued to throw paint balloons or rocks from the sidewalks or the street at oncoming vehicles bearing Trump flags or American flags, breaking some car windows and tail lights. One vehicle was damaged after a fallen tree branch from the Oregon ice storm was thrown into the windshield, according to the Salem Police Department.

In some instances, the counter gathering approached the driver side of a targeted vehicle and maced the drivers in the eyes. One vehicle owner had their car paintballed, and after coming out to check the damage done to his car, “ Fascist Free 503” pepper sprayed the vehicle owner’s eyes and bashed a car window in. The owner drew a gun and yelled at the group to get away from the vehicle following the incident, and police detained and questioned the owner. The vehicle owner was ultimately released for cooperating with the SWAT team and for having a concealed carry license, according to the police report. Onsite police officers said the gun owner never pointed his weapon at demonstrators.

In total, four demonstrators were arrested: Andrew Alan Foy, 34, was charged with second-degree disorderly conduct and second-degree criminal trespass; Nathan McFarland, 33, was charged with second-degree disorderly conduct; Anthony Villaneda,18, faces five counts of pointing a laser; and William Lloyd Isham, 34, was charged with interfering with a police officer.

As of Apr. 6, McFarland bailed himself out for $250 while Foy and Villaneda — for $350 and $5,250, respectively — were bailed out privately. Police are still investigating and ask anyone with more information to call 503-588-8477.

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

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Heritage Programming and Activities Committee protests racial injustice

HPAC holds Western leadership responsible for silence against hate crimes towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Sydney Carpenter | News Editor

Since 2020, there has been a 149% increase in hate crimes towards people within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism.

Student leaders from the Heritage Programming and Activities Committee were the first to take to social media last Wednesday. Citing Western’s leaders, including University Housing and University President Rex Fuller, HPAC found their silence around hate and discrimination towards AAPI community members disheartening, frustrating and disappointing. After a Feb. 28 hate crime reported by the Collegian towards a Willamette University student and the March 16 mass shooting in Atlanta, Georgia killing a total of eight people, six of them being Asian American women, HPAC expected some acknowledgment or condemnation of AAPI hate.

“We as your student representatives (refuse) to stay silent,” said HPAC’S March 31 Instagram post. “We stand in solidarity with all of our fellow residents and (will) continue to actively advocate and fight for our voices to be heard. Black lives (still) matter, and that will not be ignored or pushed aside.”

Within the comment section of the post, University Housing was the first to reply with “Love this!!!!” with students replying the response was not enough or asking why they had not made an official statement of their own.

“This campus has an atmosphere that creates silenced violence among students, especially student leaders,” said HPAC members. “The current administration flaunts instances where they did the bare minimum and hides instances where they exhibited gross insensitivity, and where they took the credit for things that others did. Western Oregon University’s administration must dedicate itself to reevaluating its responses and responsibilities towards its students, the staff, and the future.”

A day later, University Housing sent out an email to students living on campus and made an official statement via their Instagram page.

“Hate has no place here,” said the April 1 Instagram post. “University Housing stands with all of our students in condemning the recent violent racist attacks perpetrated against the Asian American community.”

Housing “applauded” the student voices that had taken to social media and thanked students for challenging them to do better. Following HPAC and Housing, other university leadership groups released statements of their own, including Student Engagement, ASWOU and the Student Activities Board.

The Western Howl reached out to Strategic Communication and Marketing last week, inquiring whether administration intended to make a response to the discrimination and violent acts towards people in with the AAPI community. MarCom replied stating the university marketing team published an email sent out by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Rob Winningham to university staff only on March 18 in response to the Atlanta, Georgia shootings. Originally the statement was not intended to be representative of the entire university. However, as of April 6 an email under the Provost address has been sent out to students apologizing for the inadequacy of the original statement released.

Although HPAC acknowledged other statements that had been made, the committee is dedicated to holding the university to its promise of inclusion and its pride of diversity.

“The inaction of campus leadership has caused the student-body to feel frustration, fear, and isolation,” said HPAC. “As student leaders, we acknowledged the experiences of others and ourselves and worked to push towards change that will benefit the future. Incoming students must be willing to learn as individuals how they can make a difference, challenge themselves to critically examine societal norms, even when it’s uncomfortable and push to compassionately advocate for all.”

Going forward, HPAC says it intends to not stop until the university acknowledges and fulfills its promises of fighting against injustice, and prioritizes inclusion and diversity.

“Both AJ Owens, my co-adviser, and I are proud of our students for speaking out against injustices and violence against … AAPI communities,” said Heritage Resident Director and HPAC Advisor Michael Carroll. “We’re grateful to have student leaders who are thinking of other students’ needs and who advocate for support for all of our students, especially those from marginalized identities and backgrounds.”

Contact the author at scarpenter18@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

The Western Howl

Right and left wing supporters clash at the Capitol

The Western Howl

Heritage Programming and Activities Committee protests racial injustice

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