New fund at WWU supports students pursuing investigative journalism

Western Washington University has launched a fund dedicated to supporting student investigative journalism, following a significant legal settlement. The $112,000 settlement from a 2019 lawsuit addressed the university's withholding of public records from student journalists. Erasmus Baxter, one of the former students involved, along with Asia Fields and Julia Furukawa, contributed $42,000 to establish the fund, which will provide $1,600 annually for student journalism projects. Baxter stated that the lawsuit's primary aim was to compel the university to adhere to transparency laws. The fund's creation serves as a resource for future students, enabling them to hold powerful institutions accountable.

The remaining funds will support journalism efforts after accounting for legal fees and an emergency expense. Baxter invited additional donations to further expand the fund's impact. This initiative highlights the importance of investigative journalism in promoting accountability within academic institutions.