Chosen Names on Diplomas // Political Endorsements // Wildfire Season

Demand UW Allow Trans Students’ Chosen Names on Diplomas

Sign & share this petition and tweet at UW to demand that the University of Washington Faculty Senate expedite a policy change to allow diplomas to reflect to reflect student’s chosen first names, a particularly important issue for many trans and nonbinary students, as well as many others.

Our union has organized for trans and nonbinary inclusion at the University of Washington for years, making important wins on gender affirming healthcare, all-gender bathroom access, and chosen names on the UW course schedule. However, UW does not currently allow trans and nonbinary students to have their chosen first names on their diplomas. 

There is no state or federal law enforcing full legal names on diplomas. While transcripts must reflect legal names, there are multiple universities, including Yale, Miami University, the University of Missouri, and the University of Denver, that have policies making it simple for trans students to have diplomas reflecting chosen first names (regardless of whether a legal name change has been completed). The fact that UW policy does not allow this is not only an equity issue, but a safety issue for trans individuals. Updating the preferred name policy at UW to be in line with the university’s diversity and equity focus and allow preferred/chosen first names on diplomas is a necessary step that must be completed as soon as possible.

Ballots Arriving soon for the Primary Election in Washington State!

If you’re registered to vote in Washington state, your ballot for the August 3rd primary should be arriving in the mail soon.  If you’re not registered and would like to, you can do so online or via mail by July 26th, and in person by August 3rd (check out this page for more information).

Our political workgroup has been hard at work gathering information about candidates seeking office in key races, and have written descriptions of our UAW Primary Endorsed Candidates for your information when making a decision.  All members are welcome and encouraged to get involved in the workgroup: if you’d like to learn more email <political@uaw4121.org>

August 3rd Primary Endorsements:

• Lorena González – Seattle Mayor
• Teresa Mosqueda – Seattle City Council Pos. 8
• Nikkita Oliver – Seattle City Council Pos. 9
• Joe Nguyen – King County Executive
• Sarah Perry – King County Council 3
• Hamdi Mohammed – Seattle Port Commissioner Pos. 3
• Toshiko Grace Hasegawa – Seattle Port Commissioner Pos. 4
• Jake Simpson– SeaTac City Council
• Oppose Compassion Seattle/Endorse House Our Neighbors Coalition

Preparing for Wildfire Smoke Season

• If you are high risk, make a plan with your primary health care provider and stock up on essential medication, including inhalers and other respiratory aids
• Utilize AirNow, the Washington Smoke Blog, PurpleAir, Smoke Sense, or other air quality monitoring websites to stay up to date with air quality near you
• Invest in an air cleaner with a HEPA filter, or, making a DIY box fan filter (video and brochure from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Air Quality Program)
• Invest in properly fitted N95 masks for when you have to go outside in the smoke
• Donate to or get involved with mutual aid efforts (Subvert UD has been active in helping unhoused members of the community prepare for wildfire season)
• Speak to and help others in your community prepare for wildfire season

Other resources can be found through the UW Environmental and Occupational Health,  Washington Department of Health (info available in English, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and Chinese), Public Health Seattle-King County, and the Washington Smoke Blog. For more information, check out this post on our website, and email climatejustice@uaw4121.org to get involved!

Union Merch

We are excited to share that we have new UAW 4121 stickers! To grab stickers, a t-shirt, or a beanie (all free to members!), you can email comms@uaw4121.org or ask your steward to pick some up for your department.

Final Summer Organizing Training Session Next Week!

The last session of our summer organizing training series for stewards and organizers is next Thursday 7/22 from 5:00-6:30pm! This session will cover mechanics and strategies for developing an organizing campaign and committee in your department. For more information and to RSVP, check out the RSVP form.

If you’re interested in getting more involved with developing organizing trainings, or would like to discuss scheduling organizing trainings in your department, email uaw4121@uaw4121.org.