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Spokane County undersheriff received suspension for saying ‘ex-wives should be killed’

A Spokane County undersheriff received a four-week unpaid suspension in January after he joked to a member of the Spokane Valley Precinct staff that “ex-wives should be killed.”

Policy violations by leadership in law enforcement can often create the precedent that the behavior is acceptable unless swift action is taken by the chief or sheriff, said Richard Bennett, professor of justice at American University who earned his doctoral degree in sociology/criminal justice at Washington State University.

“Leadership sets the tone,” Bennett said.

Bennett researches police organization and procedures along with comparative criminology, and comparative criminal justice. “If the leader shows no regard for abusive language or racial slurs … the consequences are there,” Bennett said.

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Spokesman-Review

New collaborative to study impact of COVID‑19 on moms, babies

Having a baby is a life-changing event that brings joy, but for many women also comes with stress and anxiety. The restrictions and uncertainties associated with the current COVID‑19 pandemic are undoubtedly adding to those fears and worries, so more than a dozen WSU researchers recently joined forces to form the WSU COVID‑19 Infant, Maternal, and Family Health Research Collaborative.

Courtney Meehan.
Meehan

“We are exploring how maternal COVID‑19 infection is related to overall breastmilk composition and infant health and wellbeing. Specifically, we are interested in potential protective effects of breastfeeding during this time,” said WSU lead investigator Courtney Meehan, an associate professor of anthropology and associate dean of research and graduate studies in the WSU College of Arts and Sciences. “It is essential that we get this information quickly and accurately so we can better inform the public, as well as those who create policy,” she said, pointing to the varying recommendations that are currently being put forward by agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and UNICEF.

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WSU Insider

 

Flattening the curve with jazz

The WSU Jazz Big Band isn’t letting the global pandemic get in the way of delivering excellent big band entertainment.

Greg Yasinitsky.
Yasinitsky

The award-winning group, directed by Regents Professor Greg Yasinitsky, put technology to the test to produce a YouTube video of the aptly titled composition, “Flatten That Curve.”

Apart from the quality of the music, what makes the performance fascinating to watch is the fact that the band members recorded their parts and video individually using whatever technology they had available. Yasinitsky then mixed, mastered and assembled the performance together.

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WSU Insider

Tri-Cities grad student to donate COVID-19 relief check to help DACA students

Washington State University Tri-Cities graduate student Aaron Pelly made the decision to donate his relief check to support those in the process of or who are hoping to renew their participation in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA).

Fiveyoung women hold a Mexican flag and colorful drape.
Members of the WSU Tri-Cities Dreamers Club.

When considering what to do with his relief funding, he saw an email that detailed resources for and ways to support DACA students amid this unprecedented time from the WSU Tri-Cities Dreamers Club. Pelly, who is earning his master’s degree in environmental studies, decided that his money would be best spent supporting students that may not have resources to help them continue their studies or maintain their legal status.

“I am in a position where I could do this – provide support for students that otherwise might not have the resources to be able to eat, pay rent and renew for the DACA program,” Pelly said. “My wife and I have a stable income. We wanted to use these funds to help support individuals who are really struggling. There are many who have lost their jobs and have nowhere else to turn. Many may not have the resources to afford renewing their DACA application amid the pandemic.”

With Pelly’s donation, a new fund was set up to support the application fees for DACA students, which cost an average of $500 per application.

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WSU Insider

Lessons learned responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

Washington State University has made dramatic changes to its operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In-person classes across the system moved to online delivery. Vital student services, including academic advising, tutoring and career services, followed suit. Many employees made the adjustment to working from home, while others continue to report in-person in order to keep essential operations running smoothly.

In the course of responding to the ongoing public health emergency, lessons have been learned that will be relevant even after the return of normalcy.

Matthew Jockers.
Jockers

“Though many classes are settling into a groove, we are still facing a number of technical challenges specific to students who for one reason or another lack access to broadband internet or to computers necessary for specific types of learning,” Matt Jockers, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said.

WSU has stepped up to this challenge by lending laptops to students and is working to make Wi-Fi available at Extension offices across the state.

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WSU Insider