All news archives

Tired of waiting on the government, hungry Americans turn to one another

Washington Post

Professor Dean Spade's book on mutual aid is cited in this article detailing the history of the movement.

Project Homeless FAQ: We've answered your questions

Seattle Times

Sweeps won't end even if the Navigation Team is gone, Professor Sara Rankin says.

Legal costs in protest lawsuit stack up for Seattle, could top $600,000

Seattle Times

The law school's Korematsu Center is part of the legal team suing the City of Seattle for treatment of peaceful protesters.

Councilmember Lewis proposes exceptions to build supportive housing

Real Change News

Professor Sara Rankin says the region should be creative and nimble in making such housing a reality.

Seattle Asks Court to Reverse Contempt Decision

South Seattle Emerald

The law school's Korematsu Center is on the legal team challenging the City of Seattle's police behavior.

'Solidarity, Not Charity': A Visual History of Mutual Aid

Bloomberg

Professor Dean Spade says mutual aid projects build new social relations that are more survivable.

Dean Spade: 'Mutual Aid Always Pops Up Where Disasters Are'

Progressive

Mutual aid went mainstream during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Professor Dean Spade, because the crisis wasn't isolated.

Jurisdictions with COVID-19-related diploma privilege are going back

ABA Journal

Dean Annette Clark says states have now had more time to plan for an online exam in 2021.

Diploma Privilege and the Future of the Bar Exam

GPSolo Magazine (PDF)

Dean Annette Clark '89 tells the story of how Seattle U Law students and faculty advocated for diploma privilege in Washington.

Federal judge holds Seattle Police Department in contempt

Seattle Times

The Korematsu Center for Law and Equality partnered with the ACLU and Perkins Coie in this legal action.

Homeless Authority's Implementation Board Asks Renton Not to Evict

King County RHA Implementation Board (PDF)

Professor Sara Rankin is a member of the regional board.

County officials discuss future of Renton hotel

KOMO News

Professor Sara Rankin called on the regional board to act to protect access to shelter.

Homelessness Authority Weighs In On Battle Over Future of Renton Shelter

Publicola

Renton's actions undercut the spirit of a regional approach to homelessness, says Professor Sara Rankin.

The Giving Apps: How Venmo, Cash App Upended a Century-Old Charity Model

One Zero

Professor Dean Spade says direct giving acknowledges widespread racism and exploitation.

A Black Seattle family couldn’t bury their young son where they wished

Seattle Times

Professor Robert Chang says a court apology has important symbolic meaning.

How to Counteract the Court

Prospect

Congress hasn't had the political energy to override the U.S. Supreme Court, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

From the Black Panthers to the No-Cop Co-op

KUOW

Professor Dean Spade argues that social movements are the key to creating lasting change.

'Salt Bae' Tips Memo Shows Where Labor, Wage Laws Meet

Law360

Professor Charlotte Garden comments on a case involving a celebrity chef.

Where Housing, Not Jails, Is the Answer to Homelessness

SimpleCast

Professor Sara Rankin explains how minor tickets can lead to serious legal problems for unsheltered people.

Rules for federal court procedure are written by almost all white men

Federal News Network

Professor Brooke Coleman discusses the lopsided make-up of the federal rules committee.

3 Takeaways As Gig Cos. Prevail At Polls On Worker Status

Law360

Professor Charlotte Garden says the California vote isn't likely to affect legislators in other states.

Dean Spade in TruthOut: Mutual aid is essential

Truthout

Dean Spade in TruthOut: Mutual aid is essential

Mutual Aid Is Essential to Our Survival

TruthOut

TruthOut

Brooke Coleman comments on the future of the U.S. Supreme Court

KOMO News

Brooke Coleman comments on the future of the U.S. Supreme Court

Local professors see new era taking shape for Supreme Court

KOMO News

Professor Brooke Coleman says the U.S. Supreme Court will "perform as advertised."

Uber, Lyft Legal Blow Widens Door For Labor Law Challenges

Bloomberg Law

California's new law regulating gig companies didn't solve the issue of mass arbitration, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

Understanding the landscape of Facebook's dominance

Seattle Times

Professor John Kirkwood discusses the challenge of proving that Facebook is a social media monopoly.

How to Boost Unions' Power? Sectoral Bargaining.

In These Times

Professor Charlotte Garden says sector-based bargaining allows employers to focus on quality of services.

King County sales tax to help homeless is passed over by city councils

Real Change News

Professor Sara Rankin comments on cities' failure to invest in regional solutions to homelessness.

What Prop. 22's defeat would mean for Uber and Lyft

LA Times

California's Proposition 22 would take the teeth out of the state's ability to challenge companies that misclassify workers, say

Protesters accuse Seattle police of 'retaliation.'

Seattle Times

The Korematsu Center and other organizations say Seattle police are still using violent tactics against protesters.

LISTEN: What Amy Coney Barrett will mean for the High Court

KOMO News

KOMO News Radio

The current pandemic might be a “stress test” of the IP regime

Precedens

Professor Margaret Chon discusses intellectual property issues surrounding a COVID19 vaccine.

Interview with law professor about Trump's Supreme Court nominee

Fox

Professor Andrew Siegel discusses Judge Amy Coney Barrett's judicial history and her approval process.

For civility, we should restore filibuster and not pack the court

My Northwest

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg advocated for incremental, lasting change, says Professor Brooke Coleman.

NYT: Attorney General explored possible criminal charges against Durkan

KOMO News

It's ludicrous to suggest Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan should face prosecution for how she handled Seattle protests, says Professo

Seattle police have declared riots during recent protests.

Seattle Times

Professor Robert Chang says a riot declaration isn't a license to use indiscriminate force.

Transparency will be key as four regional police agencies get new leader

KNKX

The public's current interest in policing could affect top cop decisions in Western Washington, says Professor Deborah Ahrens.

Uber, Lyft Win Delay on Converting Drivers to Employees

Bloomberg Law

The court may have had the interests of drivers and riders in mind, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

Motel eviction exposes gaps in Seattle's low-income housing options

CrossCut

Professor Sara Rankin says Seattle's low-income housing plans are a drop in the bucket.

October Online Bar Exams Spark Technology, Privacy Concerns

Bloomberg Law

Professor Robert Chang reacts to the last-minute cancellation of the Florida bar exam.

Does America Need a Truth and Reconciliation Commission?

Politico

Professor Ron Slye says these commissions give victims a chance to tell the truth in their own words.

The Sick Hero of Free Speech

TownHall

Profesor David Skover says comedian Lenny Bruce firmly believed no topic was off-limits.

Neighbors helping neighbors

Montana Free Press

Professor Dean Spade offers a definition and history of the mutual aid movement.

Uber, Lyft Must Convert Drivers Into Employees, Judge Rules

Bloomberg Law

Professor Charlotte Garden says California law doesn't preclude flexible employment.

Defunding Seattle's Navigation Team stop the removal of homeless camps?

Seattle Times

Professor Sara Rankin says the sweeps will likely evolve rather than end.

Uber Confronts California in Turning Point for Gig Workers

Bloomberg Law

Professor Charlotte Garden explains the significance of a labor law hearing for Uber and Lyft.

GrubHub Ruling Draws New Line in Battles Over Driver Arbitration

Bloomberg Law

Professor Charlotte Garden weighs in on whether gig drivers can be considered transportation workers.

King County’s plan to fix homelessness put power in homeless

Seattle Times

Professor Sara Rankin said people who have lived experience with homelessness should have authority in deciding policy.

Hundreds become lawyers in Washington state without taking bar exam

The Spokesman-Review

Dean Annette Clark's letter to the Washington Supreme Court is quoted in this article.

America wanted its first look at Jeff Bezos, the world's richest person.

Business Insider

Professor John Kirkwood said the testimony was a missed opportunity to defend Amazon's practices.

What homeless encampments can teach us about the state of nature

Generocity

Research by the Homeless Rights Advocacy Project is cited in this essay about civic-minded behavior.

Uber Takes Shot at Lyft in Defense to Gig Worker Suit

Bloomberg

Are business models for Uber and Lyft different enough for labor law? Professor Charlotte Garden says probably not.

A national evictions cliff is coming

The Appeal

Scholarship by Professor Brooke Coleman is cited in this article calling for right to counsel in civil cases.

Religion, LGBT Rights Again on Collision Course at High Court

Bloomberg Law

Professor Charlotte Garden explains which laws might allow for religious exemptions.

The fight over monuments asks who is an American hero

USA Today

Professor Ron Slye says anti-racist movements need broad political support and go beyond toppling statues.

Behind America's Mutual Aid Boom Lies A History Of Government Neglect

HuffPost

Professor Dean Spade says mutual aid works when government relief doesn't.

After appearing to drop, homelessness rose last year in King County

Seattle Times

Professor Sara Rankin says the yearly count of homelessness is a haphazard process.

Let's Finally Get the Police Out of Pride

TruthOut

Professor Dean Spade says efforts to reform police departments have failed.

King County Labor Council expels Seattle police union

CrossCut

Police unions should align member interests with community interests, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

Seattle to create 500 new units of permanent supportive housing

Seattle PI

Professor Sara Rankin says chronic homelessness "can be solved."

LGBT Ruling Paves Way for Bathroom, Religious Battles at Work

Bloomberg Law

A Supreme Court ruling helps more people understand that such discrimination is illegal, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

Second State Lets Law Grads Skip the Bar Exam Amid COVID-19

Law.com

Dean Annette Clark says the decision takes into account the emotional and physical toll of recent events.

Get Ready for Janus 2.0, Which Could Devastate Labor More Than the First

In These Times

Lower courts were unanimous, so there's no reason for the U.S. Supreme Court to take this case, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

Workers' Collective Power in the Pandemic

TCF

Professor Charlotte Garden writes that unions are especially valuable in tough times.

Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda unveils her own proposal for taxing

Seattle Times

Professor Sara Rankin says it makes sense to use tax money for affordable housing.

Protesters and ACLU sue Seattle, blame mayor and police chief

Seattle Times

The Korematsu Center helped file the lawsuit on behalf of Black Lives Matter, a current law student, a law alumna, and others.

'Outside agitator' narrative not supported by Seattle arrest data

CrossCut

Professor Deborah Ahrens says the narrative has roots in the civil rights movement.

Crisis demands Congress check Trump's leadership failure

Seattle Times

Professor John McKay's suggestion for limiting the use of federal troops is included in this editorial.

The Case For Sectoral Bargaining Is Now Stronger Than Ever

In These Times

Bargaining by sector is better for wages and safety standards, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

Local "unlikely alliance" proposes plan to solve chronic homelessness

SCCInsight

A coalition led by Professor Sara Rankin proposes a solid plan for supportive housing.

Businesses, advocates and academics unite to end chronic homelessness

Real Change News

Ending homelessness is "our collective responsibility," says Professor Sara Rankin.

A new $1.6B proposal to house thousands experiencing homelessness

KUOW

Professor Sara Rankin says it's clear that a public-private partnership is required to solve the problem.

Proposal: King County can solve chronic homelessness in 5 years

Seattle PI

Professor Sara Rankin says this proposal will build momentum toward solving all homelessness.

Third Door Coalition crafts plan to solve chronic homelessness emergency

BizJournal

Professor Sara Rankin found allies in the business community to create a viable plan to reduce homelessness.

Businesses and homeless advocates offer plan to create housing

Seattle Times

Professor Sara Rankin, co-founder of the Third Door Coalition, unveils $1.67 billion plan to create permanent supportive housing

Uber, Lyft Sued by California in Major Gig-Economy Crackdown

Bloomberg Tax

Professor Charlotte Garden says the legal action might finally determine drivers' employment status.

New tools to help WA abuse victims put to the test during coronavirus

CrossCut

Pairing law students with domestic violence victims is a win-win, says Professor Deirdre Bowen.

Shelter From the Storm

On Labor

Professor Charlotte Garden asks what policies would help people find economic shelter at work.

For The Homeless, Virus' Threat Also Brings Hope For Reform

Law360

Professor Sara Rankin predicts a "very interesting suite of legal challenges" relating to homelessness and shelter-in-place orde

Uber Budges, a Bit, on Virus Sick Pay for California Drivers

Bloomberg

Drivers might get sick pay, but employment status isn't settled, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

Students helping domestic violence survivors file protection orders

King 5

Professor Deirdre Bowen says the online system allows students to help immediately and safely.

From Monroe to Rikers, how COVID-19 spreads in prison

KUOW

Releasing non-violent, at-risk prisoners protects us all, says Professor Deborah Ahrens.

Cities Cut Back Homeless Sweeps During Crisis.

HuffPost

Easing up on homeless sweeps is something that should have happened before COVID-19, Professor Sara Rankin says.

COVID will trigger staggering increase in number of homeless

Independent

With COVID-19, society's failure to address homelessness will come home to roost, Professor Sara Rankin says.

As virus batters government, US mutual aid groups step up

France 24

Professor Dean Spade explains why mutual aid groups make up for government failings.

Federal employees need not show “but-for causation”

SCOTUSBlog

Professor Charlotte Gardens looks at the Supreme Court's ruling in Babb v. Wilkie.

Now Is the Best and Worst Time for Workers to Go on Strike

Bloomberg

Professor Charlotte Garden says city and state laws can protect workers who speak out for safety.

Why Every LL.M. Student Needs Entrepreneurial Thinking

LLM Guide

Professor Steve Tapia says changing business models have driven demand for lawyers with a different mindset.

Union-Busting in the Name of God

The Nation

Professor Charlotte Garden says religious values may be secondary to financial motives.

Pandemic-Stoked Instacart Strike Exposes Risks for Gig Workers

Bloomberg Law

Striking Instacart workers likely won't be fired, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

Solidarity Not Charity: Mutual Aid & How to Organize in the Age of COVID

Democracy Now

Professor Dean Spade says there's a long history of U.S. social movements providing vital services when governments fail.

homeless feel the effect of social distancing from coronavirus

Seattle Times

Professor Sara Rankin discusses social distancing's effect on people experiencing homeslessness.

Gov. Inslee Urged To Release Certain Prisoners Amid Coronavirus

Patch

Our Korematsu Center, led by Professor Robert Chang, joined groups calling for the release of at-risk prisoners.

Seattle Uber, Lyft drivers say their earnings are plummeting

Seattle Times

The risk of a company disappearing is borne by the workers in a gig economy, says Professor Charlotte Garden.

Judge's Instacart Ruling Draws First Blood in Contractor Battle

Bloomberg Law

Professor Charlotte Garden says other companies will play for time before reacting to the ruling.

What’s Next For Labor Law Reform?

TCF

Professor Charlotte Garden writes that the Clean Slate for Worker Power is an ambitious plan for systemic labor law reform.

Kickstarter Union Vote Could Spark More Tech Organizing

Law360

Professor Charlotte Garden says more union drives could be on the way.

DoorDash's multimillion-dollar arbitration mistake

Washington Post

Professor Charlotte Garden says clever workers have turned an arbitration policy into a nightmare for their employer.

Seattle-Area Bikini Baristas Take Fight All the Way to the Supreme Court

Seattle Eater

Professor Charlotte Garden says there's a very small chance SCOTUS will hear the case.

Uber Falters in First Legal Attack on California Gig Worker Law

Bloomberg

Professor Charlotte Garden said the companies were likely hoping for a regulation-averse judge.

Uber Urges California Court to End Law That Gives Gig Workers Benefits

Bloomberg

Professor Charlotte Garden calls the legal maneuver "an extreme long shot."

McKinsey Bankruptcy

Bloomberg

Professor Diane Lourdes Dick explains what precedent is set by a complicated, high-profile bankruptcy case. (At 1:09:38)

After Judge's 'Troubling' Behavior, Lawmakers Question Court Misconduct

NY Times

A letter from lawmakers is a "big step" toward judiciary reforms, Professor Brooke Coleman says.

Public Space, No Exceptions

Landscape Architecture Magazine

Professor Sara Rankin explains that when cities make it illegal to be homeless, they make it more difficult for people to escape

'Scared for my life': why more Indians are joining migrants

The Guardian

Professor Tayyab Mahmud says the economy, not persecution, drives global migration.

We ended race discrimination at the lunch counter

News Observer

North Carolina's Supreme Court should end discriminatory juror strikes, writes Professor Robert Chang.

State proposal would let King County tax large businesses to pay for hom

CrossCut

Professor Sara Rankin says people are hungry for a solution to chronic homelessness.

A West Coast union faces bankruptcy. Here's why unions are unnerved

LA Times

A Chapter 11 bankruptcy forces disclosure of private financial information, says Professor Diane Lourdes Dick.

Duquesne Exempt From NLRA, Beats Adjunct Faculty Union Push

Bloomberg Law

Professor Charlotte Garden is quoted in this story about whether national labor law applies to religious schools.

May a federal employer say "OK, boomer" to a job applicant?

SCOTUSBlog

Professor Charlotte Garden analyzes oral argument in Babb v. Wilkie.

close relationship with judge raises concerns with House Speaker vote

The Advocate

Judges should tell litigants when their former law partners appear before them in court, says Professor John Strait.

Argument preview: What counts as discrimination "based on" age?

SCOTUSBlog

Professor Charlotte Garden analyzes Babb v. Wilkie, a case pending at the U.S. Supreme Court.

How Local and Federal Policies are Criminalizing Homelessness

WNYC Studios

Professor Sara Rankin calls these policies "anti-survival laws."

Amazon employee group says company threatened to fire climate activists

KNKX

Professor Charlotte Garden says speech protections are different for private-sector workers.