Seattle Human Rights Network

The Right to Counsel for Guantanamo Bay Detainees

Monday, November 17, 2008

12:00 -12:50 p.m.

Sullivan Hall, Room C5

“[A] rigged system that guarantees convictions in order to cover up wrongdoing…”

“Kangaroo courts…”

“[E]veryone involved is potentially guilty of war crimes …”

Please join Professor John McKay and 2008 Reutlinger Legal Writing Scholarship recipient Jeannie Duncan for a brief discussion of the historic roots of the right to counsel, the restrictions on counsel for detainees in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and the future of these rights in light of current trends and the United States Supreme Court’s recent decision in Boumediene v. Bush.

Light refreshments will be served.

There will be a fundraiser & clothing drive at SU on Wednesday, Nov 12 & Thursday, Nov. 13- please donate!

CLEAN BIRTHING KITS EVENT:

Every woman has the right to safe motherhood. This event is designed to raise awareness about internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) and refugees’ reproductive rights and the difficulties they encounter in accessing reproductive healthcare due to their unstable living environments. The project’s goal is to raise money for clean delivery kits that can be used by untrained birthing assistants or by pregnant women giving birth unassisted. These kits greatly reduce the risk of potentially deadly infections to both women and newborns. Each kit contains: (1) square meter of plastic sheet for the birthing table; (2) cotton cloth (2 meters by 1 meter); (3) razor blade (single edge); (4) string to tie umbilical cord (3 cm by 15 cm); (5) examination gloves; and (6) sealed bag for packaging. Each kit costs about $2.00, so that is the donation we ask of students. In return we give students stickers that read “I helped safely deliver a baby.” We will send the money raised to an organization that sends birthing kits to IDPs and refugees (Marie Stopes International).

The conversation was facilitated by Professor John Mitchell .

First student comment: We have a general disdain to state action in taking life.  This initiative sanction state action in taking life.

Comment: We have a general policy against suicide in this society.

Question from JM: How is this different from suicide?

Comment:  There is less of a shock and more opportunity for changing the outcome.  Consulation before taking ones life is much more likely.

Comment: This law does not allow healthy people to take there life.

Comment: This law just sanitizes the realities of death.  Anyone can kill them self.

Comment: We sanitize medical decision all the time, childbirth is not the painful high mortality practice it was 100 years ago.  Why should death be different.

Question from JM: Why is this not like other medical decision?

Comment:  This is different from other medical decisions because it is final.

Question JM:  What are other reasons for or against this?

Comment: There are high chances of cohesion.  What if children what early inheritance or are just tired of taking care of a parent?

Comment:  This initiative could prevent research on dieing patients. (Brian: Do we want to view dieing people as mere lab rats?)

Question JM: Does this change the fundamental function of doctors?

Comment: The propaganda on each side claims it will change doctors relationship with patents.

Question JM: How do we gauge success if it passes?

No real answer was given to this question.

Comment from Brian:  The main arguments almost all came down to autonomy v. the value of life.  All comment were from current students.  The discussion was much more in depth then one can capture in a quick blog post.  I strongly recommend attending future Social Justice Monday events.

PS: I am personaly pro Initiative 1000.

Title: “Initiative 1000″
Monday, November 3, 2008
12:00 -12:50 p.m.
Room C5
Pizza will be provided.

The Criminal Justice Society invites students to join a discussion about the “Death with Dignity Act”- Initiative 1000. This initiative, on the November 4th ballot, will legalize physician assisted suicide in Washington State. Professor John Mitchell and members of the Criminal Justice Society will lead a discussion on this very controversial topic.

The event started with an open discussion of fears. Almost everyone had something to say on this topic 45 people skipped lunch to show up to this event. Here are some of the reoccurring issues:

1. Wages; do I have to keep 2 jobs can we work at an NPO and pay off loans?
2. Funding is unstable at NPO’s
3. The economic depression
4. Is federal loan forgiveness stable
5. Westlaw dependence.. I am trained to use it but not can not afford it in the NPO world.
6. Where do you get experience without turning to the dark side?
7. Am I gambling away my families security for a social justice career?
8. Abandoning my community, can I serve the poor community I came from if they can not pay?

It was amazing how many concerns students have. The next part of the disscussion forcused on why we have issues around money general:

In the 80’s the focus of pop culture moved away from portraying average people in favor of the rich.
Myth that money equal hard work.
Myths on meritocracy
Myths on Scarcity
An us v. them mentality - a war on poverty

Solution:

Fight for livable wages
Tithing give back support other orgs
Redefine needs (read more at EnoughEnough.org)
Find a balance between time and money donations
Redefining your entitlements and your standard of living

This event was run by Dean Spade.

Today for social justice Monday Seattle University is talking about one of the more difficult issues for students: the financial constraints of practicing in a Social Justice profession.  Law school is extemely expensive and many of us worry about paying off student loans totaling more then $100,000 or in some cases more then $200,000.  I hope this is a good discussion and will live blog it if there are any strong ideas on how to deal with insane debt while working for a better world.

A Conversation with Professor Dean Spade

Money Problems: Balancing a Commitment to Social Justice
with Concerns About Financial Security

Monday, October 27, 2008
12:00 -12:50 p.m.
Sullivan Hall, Room C5

Refreshments will be provided.

This short interactive workshop will be a place to confront the hard issues law students face balancing student debt, career choices, family obligations and a desire to use legal skills to change the world.  We will explore the complexities of navigating different kinds of pressures and retaining a focus on doing work that we feel passionate about and believe in.  We’ll talk about how to put our own choices in the broader context of the domestic and global wealth gaps, and how to build community conversations about the ethical choices we face when it comes to money amongst our friends and colleagues.

Funding for a number of legal service programs is at risk in the new King County budget.  This means that the options for many poor and otherwise marginalized communities to access legal services and judicial remedies could be decreased even further.  As the daughter of a domestic violence victim who was inspired to become a lawyer after watching legal aid attorneys advocate for my mother’s safety, I (Amy) know firsthand how important these programs are, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Please take a moment to express your support for funding these programs!

Take Action Now- Funding for Alliance Members at Risk! Stand Up for Legal Aid in King County - Funding for Alliance Members is at Stake!

The King County Council is currently reviewing the County Executive’s 2009 budget proposal, and will pass its budget in late November. Many programs will be cut to make up for the projected revenue shortfall… including critical legal aid programs for low income people in need. We cannot let this happen. King County must invest in equal justice!

Who is at Risk?

*       TeamChild
       While the Executive’s budget includes the full $275,000 request for TeamChild, funding is not secure until the King County Council passes its budget for 2009 in late November! We need to let the King County Council know that maintaining TeamChild’s $275,000 funding request is critical to ensuring that young people have advocacy they need for essential supports, like school, treatment and housing. TeamChild is the only organization in King County that provides holistic civil legal representation for young people involved in juvenile court.

*       Legal Action Center
       King County provides $15,000 to Legal Action Center (LAC) - a critical part of their budget. With the County funds, the Legal Action Center reduces homelessness by preventing illegal or unnecessary evictions and housing subsidy terminations. If LAC loses King County funding, the program will stop conducting its neighborhood intakes in South King County and stop staffing the Housing Justice Project at the Regional Justice Center.

*       Eastside Legal Assistance Program
       The Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP) provides civil legal assistance to low income residents and victims of domestic violence throughout all of King County. ELAP receives $30,000 from King County’s discretionary woman’s fund. Without this money, ELAP will not be able to provide critical assistance for low income King County residents who are victims of domestic violence.

*       Family Assistance Program at Solid Ground
       The Family Assistance Program receives about $25,000 in King County funds to provide information, referral, advice, and direct legal representation to individuals who have had their state public assistance benefits reduced, terminated, or denied. At risk of losing this important funding and their City of Seattle funding, the clients served by the Family Assistance Program need our help.

*       Unemployment Law Project
       The Unemployment Law Project receives $26,500 from King County. The program provides free legal representation, assistance, and information to people who have been denied unemployment benefits or whose right to those benefits is being challenged. As of today, it does not appear likely that this critical program, in a time of high unemployment and economic instability, will receive funding from the County.

*       Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
       King County has been providing critical funding to the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project to support legal services to immigrant victims of domestic violence and other crimes. NWIRP is requesting $50,000 of funding, which is not included in the Executive budget presented to the County Council. The loss of funding from the County would force staff cuts in this service area and would reduce the number of vulnerable people served. Pursuing the protections available to immigrant victims of domestic violence under immigration law, including the ability to obtain work authorization, is critical for victims to become self-sufficient and not have to depend on government or private assistance.

*       King County Law Library
       The King County Law Library at the King County Maleng Regional Justice Center courthouse in Kent is in grave danger of closing in 2009. The 2009 Executive budget does not provide any funding for this branch of the law library. Also, the 2009 budget reduces the funding for the Seattle library by 5% which will have long term repercussions in the services which the library is able to provide. Our King County Law Library strives to serve as a community access point for legal information and support those civil legal aid organizations who are actively involved in representing those in need.

How you can help:
We need friends of equal justice to participate in the budget hearing process. There are several ways you can voice your support:

1.      Attend a King County Council Budget Hearing: The next hearing is on Tuesday, October 28th at 7:00 p.m. in Seattle - King County Council Chambers, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200. Click on this link to find out more:
http://www.ejc.org/downloads/king_county_2009_budget_fact_sheet.doc

2.      Voice Your Support Online: This will only take a couple minutes. The King County Council has a website for online testimony at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget/Testify_Online.aspx

3.      Write a Letter to Your Council Member and the County Executive: Even if you decide to testify online, please consider sending an email or letter to your council member and the County Executive. You can find their contact information at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/Councilmembers.aspx

 Please pass this alert on to others who may want to voice their support!

If you have questions, contact: Nell McNamara, EJC Director, at 206.447.8168 or nell <at> ejc.org.

Made in L.A. follows the remarkable story of three Latina immigrants working in Los Angeles garment sweatshops as they embark on a three-year odyssey to win basic labor protections from a mega-trendy clothing retailer. In intimate verite style, Made in L.A. reveals the impact of the struggle on each woman’s life as they are gradually transformed by the experience. Compelling, humorous, deeply human, Made in L.A. is a story about immigration, the power of unity, and the courage it takes to find your voice.

http://www.madeinla.com/

We have the special opportunity to screen Made in LA. After the film you can listen to special guest, Almudena Carracedo the Emmy winning documentary film director.

When: November 19, 2008
6:30 p.m for refreshments
7:00 film screening (68 minutes)
8:00 post-screening discussion

Where: TBA

UW Tacoma- Longshore Hall
1710 S. Market Street
Tacoma, WA

Discussion moderator: Professor Rachel May PhD

Co-Sponsors: UW Tacoma Student Activities Board, UW Tacoma Arts and Lectures fund, Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies, AVC Cedric Howard

Co-hosts: Student Labor Action Project, Latino Student Organization, ACLU student chapter, Black Student Union, HOPE Network

2008-hate-crimes-workshop

flyer-hate-crimewokshpr

Below is information on an upcoming workshop on hate crimes.

The Organization of Chinese Americans - Greater Seattle Chapter will be putting together a workshop this upcoming Saturday 10/25 regarding Hate Crimes Prevention. Please see attachments containing an event press release and outreach flyer.

Organization of Chinese Americans - Greater Seattle Chapter:

Local Chapter Website: http://ocaseattle.org/index.html

National Office Website: http://www.ocanational.org/

Location:
Asian Counseling & Referral Service
3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S
Seattle, WA 98144

http://www.acrs.org/

* Parking is available

Date & Time:
Saturday - October 25th, 2008
9:00AM - 3:00PM
* Lunch will be held from 12:00PM - 1:00PM - (Provided by OCA-GS)

Cost:
FREE

Guest Speakers include:
Michael Hogan, King County Prosecutor’s Office
Michael Chin and Martin McMurray - Washington Human Rights Commission
Judge Charles Smith
David Beard, Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities  
Pat Valerio, Associated Counsel for the Accused
Representatives from the ACLU, and others.

Yesterday HRN organized a video presentation and discussion on the human rights abuses occurring at detention centers across the country. The presentation and discussion was lead by AJ McClure of OneAmerica (www.weareoneamerica.org) and immigration and international human rights attorney Karol Brown (www.globallawpartners.com).  

The event was held as part of Seattle University’s Social Justice Mondays and was based on OneAmerica’s Night of 1000 Conversations (http://nightof1000conversations.org/) designed to raise awareness of the Department of Homeland Security’s policies and practices that routinely violate basic human rights of people in this country, particularly immigrants. 

We began by watching a short video containing interviews with detainees and then broke off into a lively discussion of the problems with our immigration system and the reasons why allowing our government to strip immigrants of their basic rights is opening the door for similar treatment of citizens. Many people in the room were shocked by the standard wait time for obtaining an immigration visa. Attendees were similarly horrified that the people portrayed in the video could be robbed of their rights, treated terribly, and then sent back to nations they didn’t know for seemingly no reason.

At the end, we discussed ideas of what we could do to ensure that the government restores these basic human rights, including writing to our representatives (sample letters were provided), encouraging immigrants to naturalize, and organizing further group discussions on the topic.