NEWS GLEAMS | WA Universities Investigated for Actions During Pro-Palestinian Protests

On March 10, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) sent letters to 60 universities across the country saying that they were under investigation for possible violations of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which "prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal funds." The office alleged that the universities may have failed to "protect Jewish students on campus, including uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities," in potential "violations relating to antisemitic harassment and discrimination."

Of the 60 universities warned, four are located in Washington State: the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle, Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Eastern Washington University in Cheney, and Whitman College in Walla Walla. Nationwide, schools named included Columbia University, Harvard University, Portland State University, and Stanford University.

In January, the UW entered into a resolution agreement with the U.S. Department of Education's OCR. The resolution was in response to complaints filed against UW alleging that the university discriminated against students of shared Jewish ancestry "by failing to respond to incidents of harassment consistent with the requirements of Title VI." Specifically, the OCR reviewed 140 incidents and noted the steps that UW was taking to address the incidents. It did not find UW liable but noted gaps in how it responded to bias incident complaints.

With the latest OCR letter, UW spokesperson Victor Balta told The Seattle Times that the university "stands firmly against antisemitism" and will take steps to address the new letter. Pacific Lutheran University was only aware of one complaint filed to the OCR by one individual and was working with the office to address the concerns.

The letter comes just days before the Department of Education laid off 1,315 workers. The department began the year with 4,133 workers and has lost nearly half its employees between the recent layoffs, 572 employees who accepted separation packages that the federal government offered, and 63 probationary staff who lost their jobs due to cuts from the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is overseen by White House senior adviser Elon Musk.

The King County Library System (KCLS) has revealed a new suite of cards designed by local artists barry johnson, Bethany Fackrell, Don Clark, Hernan Paganini, Marisol Ortega, Stacy Nguyen, and Stevie Shao. The designs are the first new ones to be released by KCLS in a decade.

Those interested in picking up a new library card can do so at any KCLS branch. Ten thousand copies of each card are available to start.

Visuals of each library card can be seen in-depth on KCLS' website, alongside short videos and descriptions introducing each artist.

In partnership with United Way of King County, The Seattle Public Library is offering free in-person and virtual tax help services through April 19. The help will take place at the Central Library and South Park Library.

These services are only available for individuals — not businesses — and only for those who earned less than $80,000 in 2024. Additional questions about eligibility details can be directed to United Way at 206-461-3700.

Drop-in tax help is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Central Library (1000 4th Ave.)

• Mondays, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

• Tuesdays–Thursdays, 12:30–6:30 p.m.

• Saturdays–Sundays, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

South Park Branch (8604 8th Ave. S.)

• Saturdays–Sundays, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Additional help is provided by the Seattle Public Library alongside the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and will take place through April 14, though each participating branch has different dates. As opposed to the United Way sessions, which have an income limit, the AARP sessions do not place an income limit on those who wish to receive assistance, though the volunteers may not be able to prepare complex returns.

A full list of tax help at other SPL branches can be seen on SPL's website, along with a list of items one must bring in order to receive assistance.

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