Through the Static

by Hannah Saunders

Our weekly reporting round-up from September 8-14 includes five pieces on topics like proposed changes to UW’s student code of conduct and the impact it may have on student protesters, a new monthly dinner meet-up for Trans refugees, and more. Let’s take a look at what you may have missed!

Proposed UW code of conduct changes spark concerns over students’ right to protest

The University of Washington (UW) has delayed proposed changes to its Student Conduct Code after student organizers raised concerns that the revisions could give the institution the authority to discipline students involved in protests. The recommendations would revise UW’s definitions of disruption, obstruction, failure to comply, and unauthorized access. For Super UW, a pro-Palestinian student group, the changes raise a question about how far a university can go in regulating protests before its rules begin to discourage students from participating.

“The changes in the [Student Conduct Code] are intended to allow for collective punishment, where even the attendance of a protest, or the organization of a protest makes you individually responsible for all actions that occur at that protest,” Super UW told Through The Static.

Read more here.

Photos: Fedayeen Football League’s Makluba Cup

On September 5, Seattle’s Fedayeen Football League hosted its first ever Makluba Cup to bring attention to and honor Palestinian athletes who were martyred during the genocide. The day featured matches of 5 v. 5, tents with booths and resources, and a community meal featuring the popular makluba dish.

TtS published about 30 photos, which you can view here.

KOI and Stone Soup Crew kick-off “Welcome to the Table,” monthly meet-ups for Trans refugees

The Kawaguchi O’Connor Initiative (KOI) and Stone Soup Crew (SCC) are kicking-off its first “Welcome to the Table,” event on September 12 from 6-9 p.m. at the Cal Anderson Park Shelterhouse. These gatherings are set to take place each month to bring Transgender refugees together for an evening of connection, learning, resource sharing, and relationship building.

“KOI and Stone Soup Crew came together around these monthly gatherings because we saw a need for something simple, consistent, and deeply human: a place where transgender refugees and other members of our community can sit down, share a good meal, meet one another, and know that someone is there,” an SCC member told TtS.

Click here to read the full article.

Months after Juniper Blessing’s murder her community is still seeking answers

It has been nearly four months since 19-year-old University of Washington (UW) student Juniper Blessing was stabbed to death in her off-campus student housing laundry room. Her community has been seeking answers as Christopher Leahy, the man charged with her murder in the first degree, has been found incompetent to stand trial, with his next competency hearing scheduled for September 24.

Blessing’s death sparked several memorials and vigils within the UW, Santa Fe, and LGBTQIA+ communities who were left mourning a young Transgender woman who had her full life ahead of her, bursting with dreams and aspirations in the fields of atmospheric sciences and music. 

Learn more here.

What is WA doing to protect elections and prevent voting interference this fall?

Since re-stepping into office, Trump has been working to shake up election rules and regulations, which has included targeting mail-in ballot voting and proof of citizenship requirements. With the November 3 election just months away, Washington state officials have been hammering down protective measures to ensure there’s little to no federal interference.

“This year, it is clear that Washington election officials must be prepared to handle inquiries and interactions with the federal administration, on top of the significant work it takes to administer a secure and accurate election,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “Supporting county election partners’ preparedness is one of my top priorities. That includes making sure they have clear, practical guidance when questions arise.” 

Click here to read more.

That’s it for our weekly round-up! To help us keep reporting, become a monthly or one-time donor at ThroughtheStatic.org/donate.