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Campus

Western’s sexual assault prevention program is up for renewal — does the online training do more harm than good?

By Lauren Gallup , Makenna Marks and Payton Gift

Sitting at their laptop, a Western Washington University student goes through the first module in the program entitled, “Sexual [Assault] Prevention Ongoing: Taking Action.” They move from page to page, exploring what the course contains, with definitions of sexual misconduct, a pre-course quiz and pages titled “Recognizing the Problem,” and “Microaggressions.”

Campus

University Police prepare to adopt new accountability measures

Campus

Task Force prepares to finalize recommendations on a potential Huxley College of the Environment name change

Campus

AS College of the Environment calls for a revamp of Western’s Sustainability Action Plan; clubs demand a change

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Campus

Western housing for 2021-2022 academic year goes up in price

By Caroline Brooks | June 16

The Western Washington University Board of Trustees officially passed a housing initiative that will provide a three-tiered cost evaluation system for on-campus housing prices for students as well as an increase in the cost of base-level housing.

City & County

Bellingham voters could see new initiatives on upcoming ballot

By Jake Isom | June 9

City & County

What will happen to Bellingham’s outdoor dining parklets after the pandemic?

By Liz McLane | June 8

City & County

Will worsening climate conditions bring more wildfires west of the Cascades?

By Cliff Heberden | June 6

Western

Art, swings and abandoned bongs: hidden secrets of Western’s arboretum

By Cameron Martinez | May 18

Nestled in the backdrop of Western Washington University’s main campus, the Sehome Hill Arboretum provides students and the Bellingham community with a forest that is as mysterious as it is green. The Arboretum is filled with everything from secret art pieces to a watch tower that views the Bellingham Bay.

How to Survive an Earthquake at Western Washington University

By Jacob O'Donnell | June 10

Tons of information exists about earthquake preparedness, from the general cover and hold and standing under door frames to recommendations for survival gear. This is information for students, faculty and staff at Western Washington University about the risk of earthquakes and what to do when they strike.

State Legislature funds feasibility study to research potential overhaul for campus heating system

By Jacob O'Donnell | June 8

A convening of students, faculty and staff knowledgeable about the campus heating system and potential alternatives to its current fuel source of natural gas kicked off a newly-funded feasibility study last Friday.

Spring Commencement Ceremony remains virtual

By Crystal Tucker | June 6

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on students. Not only are they not experiencing in-person classes, but those who are finishing up their education won’t walk across the stages to receive their diplomas.

Bellingham

Obscenity charge has lasting implications 25 years later

By Joslin Keim and Kate Yeoman | June 9

Twenty-five years ago, Bellingham found itself amidst controversy. Over a quarter of a century after criminal proceedings on charges of promoting pornography and a following civil trial, those involved in the dispute recounted the events that tested the bounds of First Amendment rights.

People First Bellingham’s Initiatives 1-4 explained

By Jake Isom | June 9

People First Bellingham continues their journey to add four new initiatives to the November City of Bellingham general election.

Unarmed crisis response coming to Bellingham

By Kelton Burns | May 26

Bellingham and Whatcom County are finalizing plans for an unarmed crisis response team this year. This team will handle emergency calls from individuals experiencing mental illness-related crises among other situations where an armed response is not deemed necessary.

Locally sourced food can impact Bellingham communities

By Jake Isom | June 16

When we need to stock our pantries and fridges, most may head to the nearest grocery store; however, most of the food in our grocery stores is not locally sourced.

Whatcom

Bellingham Public Library aims to inspire summer reading

By Paige Thibaut | June 11

The Bellingham Public Library kicked off its annual summer reading program on June 1. The program, which originally began in 1978 and was designed to inspire Bellingham residents of all ages to read, will continue until Sept. 1.

Local businesses look ahead as they reflect on challenges they’ve faced throughout the pandemic

By Cameron Baird | June 6

When people around the country started retreating into the solitude and safety of their homes, small businesses across Whatcom County started scrambling for their survival.

Where are the bees?

By Jake Isom | June 5

The rain begins to dwindle, the weather warms and flowers bloom; bees buzz by to pollinate. That familiar buzzing, however, was absent for a time in Bellingham this spring.

Centering overburdened and underserved communities in environmental policy

By Cliff Heberden | May 21

Editor's note: This story has been amended to clarify the relationship between tribal and federal governments. The clarification was made to a quotation from an interview with Millie Piazza, at her request. Additional information regarding section 6 of the Climate Commitment Act has been added to the story as well.

Sports Recreation

A Coast Salish style longhouse to be built on Western's campus

By Nicola Wasmuth | April 28

After the Native American Student Union made demands for a Coast Salish style longhouse to be built on campus five years ago, Western Washington University confirmed a proposal in August.

"Material Mind" exhibition has begun

By Crystal Tucker | June 9

After a year of hard work and conceptualization, graduating Western Washington University students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program will finally get the chance to present their thesis projects to the public from now until June 11.

Cole Reynolds joins Western men’s golf for 2021-22 season

By Hayley McGee | June 9

The Western Washington University men’s golf team is gaining three new recruits for the 2021-22 golf season.

Western Men’s Golf competes at Division II Regionals

By Lucas Bohannon | June 6

The Western Washington University men’s golf team just completed their season with a nail-biting performance at the NCAA Division II regional tournament, where the team took eighth overall.

Opinion

Check out some of the letters about Huxley that were submitted to the Legacy Review Task Force

By The Western Front | June 2

Editor's note:

We're changing the name. Here's why

By Nate Sanford | June 2

This website is a part of a larger evolution that has been in the works for a while. It couldn’t have happened without the hard work and contributions of numerous past editors. Some of the changes have been happening subtly over the past few months; others are rolling out for the first time today. Here’s a rundown:

Opinion | Students are also being marginalized by identity in higher-education

By Sophia Heit | May 24

This story expands on an article about how college is inherently classist. Read the main story here.

Opinion | College is inherently classist, here is why

By Sophia Heit | May 24

Imagine working between 40 and 50 hours a week, attending full-time college and balancing a social life. Then, imagine coming home to a roommate that has never worked a day in their life but has their college paid for.

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