With growing public concern over excessive use of force by federal organizations, defining when violence crosses a line is becoming increasingly difficult. In recent weeks, Israel has been criticized by the United Nations (UN) and countries the world over for excessive force used by their Israeli Security Forces (ISF) against Palestinian protesters. Following the killing of at least 60 Palestinians, including 8 children by the ISF, governments like Ireland are tightening sanctions against Israel, demanding change. The UN’s Human Rights Council (HRC) has opened an official inquiry into Israel’s practices, appalled at what they claim are egregious human rights violations.…

Green River College President Suzanne Johnson hosted a forum on free speech in the River Room of the Student Union building in response to an incident that occurred on campus. A panel made of several faculty members gave presentations on the topic of free speech. The panel members consisted of staff members Allison Jansen of the Political Science faculty, Devon Klein, a counselor for Green River Counseling Services, Mary Jane Swenson of the Criminal Justice faculty, Frank Primiani of the Business Administration faculty, Marvin Viney, Assistant Director of Campus Safety, Derek Ronnfeldt, Director of Campus Safety, Dr. Deb Casey, Vice…

At Green River College, plans to sell radio property in Enumclaw will pave the way for renovations in the broadcasting department. The college’s two radio stations, KGRG 89.9 FM and KGRG 1, have long been part of the school’s history. Entirely student-run, KGRG FM, a station emphasizing “Today’s Rock” since the late 1980s, became an official part of GRC when it was licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1977. Inspired by the burgeoning Seattle grunge era, KGRG FM became one of the first radio stations to feature then-unknown bands such as MxPx, Emery, My Chemical Romance, Death Cab…

The United Faculty of Green River (UF) negotiations team and administration team have come to a tentative agreement on the newest faculty contract. On April 16, Janey Hoene, UF president and co-chair of the negotiations team, sent out an all-faculty e-mail announcing the completion of the bargaining process. Significant changes to the contract were shared the following Friday, April 20, with the rest of the faculty. The two teams are in the process of taking feedback from faculty and will hold a ratification vote during finals week of spring quarter. If the vote passes, it will go into effect July…

Students explain what it means to be a Black Muslim to help others understand their religion and be aware of the treatment they face. The first 13 minutes of the event showcased a short documentary film called Black, Bold & Beautiful, produced by Green River student Mohamed Abdullahi. The short film expresses the challenges Black Muslims face. Conflicts range from blatant racism to unfair treatment by others. The film also expresses how difficult it is being Black, Muslim, and being both. Black Muslims are often treated poorly because of the combination of their race and religion. The film depicts the…

What is your official position at Green River College? How long have you been at the college? “I teach black and white photography. I have been working here since 1992. It’s been 26 years, and I love it here.” How did you come to teach at Green River? “This was the first job I applied to after graduate school. I had moved to Seattle, and I applied for the job through [an ad in the newspaper].” Is the subject you are teaching now the initial thing you set out to study? Did you ever change majors? “Yes, this is the…

A new inclusive policy at Green River College allows time for female students to use the Recreation and Athletics Center (RAC) with respect to their cultural, religious, or personal needs. Since April 10, only women with Green River IDs are permitted to use the RAC facilities Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. “There was demand from students and the Student Affairs Division to provide equitable time for women to utilize the RAC,” said Recreation and Athletics Coordinator, Rob Pedicone. “There’s a high amount of diversity at Green River College, so with some of the different cultural and religious backgrounds,…

For 19-year-old freshmen cross country and track runner, Matthew Neoporchuk, a sharp competitive edge keeps him ready for any challenge that may come his way. Neoporchuk first started running competitively way back when he was in elementary school. Growing up through the public school system, Neoporchuk was like every other kid. “I always wanted to be the fastest runner in my grade,” Neoporchuk said. “So I would push myself in practices and through races to achieve that and [that work ethic] just stuck all the way till today.” For a lot of people that is easier said than done, but…

Tinder is falling short of expectations, failing to help individuals create meaningful relationships with each other. The popular dating app Tinder is a mobile application that allows for individuals to select potential partners through a system of swiping. If an individual sees the picture of someone appealing, they can swipe right to ‘like’ the person and if not, they swipe left to ‘dismiss’ the person. If two people like each other, they will have the opportunity to message each other over the app. There are several other features, but these are the most fundamental to the app. As smartphones reach…

Editorials reflect the opinions of the entire editing staff of The Current. As space exploration moves into the private sector, government organizations like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX are exploring the boundaries of their budding relationship. Following the incredible success of Tesla, Elon Musk took to the stars with the creation of his private space exploration company, SpaceX. He’s not the only one. Billionaires and venture capitalists the world over have begun developing new technologies and setting lofty goals for exploring the galaxy and beyond. This poses a new problem for governments…