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Vanguard, established in 1946, is published weekly as an independent student newspaper governed by the PSU Student Media Board. Views and editorial content expressed herein are those of the staff, contributors and readers and do not necessarily represent the PSU student body, faculty, staff or administration. Find us online at psuvanguard.com.
Trump Threatens Troops Deployment to Portland
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson
says, “The necessary number of troops is zero.”
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. All information is correct and up to date as of Sept. 29.
President Donald Trump has vowed to deploy the federal troops to “rebuild our once-great cities.”
Portland may be next.
In a post made early Saturday morning on Sept. 27 to Truth Social, Trump said, “At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.” The post continues with Trump threatening to authorize “Full Force, if necessary.”
At the time of publishing, it is unclear which federal troops will be deployed, and when.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson responded to Trump’s threats of sending federal troops to Portland in a statement published on Sept. 27.
“President Trump has directed ‘all necessary Troops’ to Portland, Oregon. The number of necessary troops is zero, in Portland and any other American city,” Wilson’s statement read. “Our nation has a long memory for acts of oppression, and the president will not find lawlessness or violence here unless he plans to perpetuate it.”
The Truth Social post echoes previous comments from Trump about sending federal troops to Portland. Beginning on Sept. 5, he alluded to sending federal troops to Portland after telling reporters about a broadcast showing “paid agitators” throwing smoke bombs. While he did not confirm what the incident was, the City of Portland reported smoke bomb usage around an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland during a protest in July.
Trump continued to double down on the paid agitator statement, saying that these protes -
tors were being paid large sums of money from “radical left groups.”
“These are paid agitators, and they’re very dangerous for our country,” said Trump. “And when we go there, if we go to Portland, we’re gonna wipe them out, they’re gonna be gone.”
Trump added to these comments on Sept. 19 at a separate press conference. He mentioned Portland in reference to antifa, a far-left political group that his administration has tried to classify as a domestic terrorist organization.
“We’re gonna look at the people who funded antifa, see who they are, where they came from, and what they did… Have you taken a look [at] what’s happening in Portland? I mean, it’s been going on for years. It’s just people out of control and crazy, we’re gonna stop that very soon,” said Trump.
Subsequent comments were made by both Trump and Vice President J. D. Vance on Thursday, Sept. 25.
Portland would not be the first city that Trump has sent federal troops to. They have been deployed in Washington D.C. since August. The deployment may potentially cost the National Guard $45 million, with an estimated final total of $200 million, and the stated goal still remains unclear. Reports note personnel beautifying the city and patrolling federally owned property.
Amidst immigration raids in Los Angeles this past June, the National Guard was also deployed. California Governor Gavin Newsom adamantly opposed their presence.
“No president is a king — not even Trump — and no president can trample a state’s power to protect its people,” said a statement from Newsom’s office.
The National Guard was stationed at federal buildings in addition to providing security for “federal operations.” Following legal threats from the state of California in addition to public outcry, the Pentagon began withdrawing troops.
If federal troops do come to Portland, it would
be their first time in the city in five years. In response to the 2020 George Floyd protests in various cities, including Portland, Trump deployed federal agents in often unmarked vehicles to “protect federal property.” On July 30, Oregon officials reached an agreement with the Trump administration to begin removing agents.
Concern relating to the deployment of troops have made headlines, being frequently cited by local news television. As Portland braces for this potential impact, students are left with questions of how the University will be directly affected.
“To our students, please know that your safety and well-being is my top priority. I want to reassure you that the University has clear protocols in place for managing challenging situations and for coordinating with external agencies,” said Ann Cudd, Portland State University’s president, in an emailed statement.
Cudd emphasized this message in an email sent to PSU students, staff and faculty on Sept. 28. In the email, Cudd referenced “A Call for Unity: Portland doesn’t need the Federal Troops,” a letter signed by multiple Oregon leaders and organizations, including the governor, both of the state’s senators and PSU as a whole. This letter calls for Trump not to deploy troops to Portland, to acknowledge the city’s progress and not to interfere with its positive programs in place.
“I can assure you that we are closely tracking the situation, coordinating with our partners at the city of Portland and the Governor’s office, and will do everything we can to keep our campus community safe and thriving,” said the emailed statement.
The importance of campus wide safety is reiterated by both Cudd and the Campus Public Safety Office (CPSO). When questioned about the role of on campus police, Cudd said, “Our campus public safety operations are firmly in the University’s control. Our Campus Public
Safety Office is a certified law enforcement agency with sworn officers who operate under Oregon law and University policies.”
CPSO is under the authority of PSU, meaning that federal personnel would not be able to utilize them while on campus in the event of a deployment. PSU is additionally said to maintain consistent communication with the City of Portland and the State of Oregon, to best collaborate on handling potential threats. If the federal troops were to be deployed, all three entities would be established to ensure safety on campus for both students and faculty.
“The University’s primary protection against unauthorized occupation is its operational autonomy and established policies…Our policies are designed to protect freedom of speech and assembly while ensuring a safe environment for all members of the campus community,” said Katy Swordfisk, PSU’s Media Relations Manager.
PSU’s status as a sanctuary campus would add another layer of protection if the federal forces come to assist with potential ICE operations, similar to what happened in Los Angeles.
According to a statement from CPSO, it was confirmed that PSU law enforcement will not enforce federal immigration laws or participate in immigration enforcement. And, while CPSO cannot prevent enforcement in public areas, they stated that ICE cannot enter non-public spaces on campus, including classrooms, dormitories, and more.
“PSU’s sanctuary campus status is a commitment to protecting all students, regardless of their immigration status,” said Swordfisk.
“The divisions we are witnessing in our politics can seem alarming, but I remain confident in the strength and integrity of the PSU community,” said Cudd. “We are strongest when we look out for each other and stay true to our shared values.”
SAGE LAMOTT AND OLIVIA YOUNG
HALEY HSU
The Renaming and Reclaiming of SW Jackson Street
Campus accessible sections of SW Jackson Street to be renamed in honor of PSU graduate and Indigenous community leader Rose Hill.
In October 2024, the Portland City Council approved an action plan resolution to allocate resources towards the renaming of three city blocks, in addition to the TriMet station, on SW Jackson Street. The movement to gather signatures of Portland residents also remains ongoing.
Efforts began for the renaming in 2003 alongside the Native American Student and Community Center’s (NASCC) opening. Portland State University’s support began in the early stages of formal development in 2018, collaborating with both the NASCC and the broader Portland community.
The Office of the President appointed Cynthia Carmina Gomez, Director of Community Impact in University Relations, to direct and oversee the renaming effort on behalf of PSU in 2021. Previously having served in the former Cultural Resource Center, she had overseen aspects of PSU’s cultural communities. The Indigenous Caucus was additionally convened to draft an action plan.
According to a press release by PSU in October 2024, a Native Caucus was formed in 2018 by Brings Plenty and Robert Franklin to address the Native community’s needs on campus and in the larger Portland metropolitan area. It was within this caucus that the need for renaming SW Jackson Street was pursued.
Following this development, the University contracted with Serina Fast Horse, a program coordinator for the Institute for Tribal
Government, to assemble and organize community action.
In July 2022 the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) and the National Historic Preservation committee became involved.
A letter sent to the Portland City Council written by the DNA reads, “Presently named for 7th U.S. President Andrew Jackson, Jackson Street in the downtown travels east from SW Park Avenue to 5th Avenue—passing Portland State University’s Native American Student & Community Center. It is unacceptable and improper for our city’s cornerstone space for Native Americans to be on a street the name for which honors a man who was instrumental in perpetrating systemic violence against this marginalized community.”
According to their statement, the renaming will only affect a few properties but will result in positive symbolic change in the downtown area and for the Indigenous community.
Xavier Strickler from the Downtown Neighborhood Association notes that the matter went overlooked due to the generic name “Jackson.” Upon confirmation of the name being in reference to former president Andrew Jackson, conversations began regarding what the new street name could be.
The name Rose Hill was noted as one possible contender for the renaming.
“The community spoke and chose a living leader, a living elder,” said Gomez.
In a biography in part composed by Gomez,
it reads, “Rose I. Hill, B.A., is a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. Rose arrived in Portland in 1979. She graduated from Portland State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.”
According to the biography, Hill was a key figure in the creation of the NASCC at PSU. As a student and Coordinator for UISHE, she began advocating for a Native center in 1984.
“It has been more than two decades since
Rose Hill worked with other Tribal leaders to establish the Native American Student and Community Center on PSU’s campus, and it is only fitting that we rename the street in front of that beloved building to commemorate her efforts,” PSU President Ann Cudd said in a statement forwarded to PSU Vanguard. “I am grateful to the advocates who continue to work to bring about that renaming and make SW Rose Hill Street a reality.”
SAGE LAMOTT
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
Jackson St. signs loom among the street corners outside the NASCC.
Rolling Back Measure 110 Was a Mistake
PSU study shows supposed drug crime increase isn’t so simple.
NICK GATLIN
Portland State University researchers in August released the final findings of their three-year study of the effects of drug policy changes in Oregon, including the controversial Measure 110, which decriminalized drug possession in the state. The report comes in the wake of the passage of last year’s Oregon House Bill 4002, which recriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs while expanding funding for substance abuse treatment. An increased commitment to treatment services is a good step; increasing the role of law enforcement is not. Bringing the criminal legal system back into the picture won’t do a thing to address the root causes of drug abuse — it’s a feel-good measure designed to placate lawmakers’ constituents while doing nothing to help the people who need it most.
The PSU study, “Examining the Multifaceted Impacts of Drug Decriminalization on Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Prosecutorial Discretion,” examines the impacts of shifts in Oregon drug policy since 2013, including that year’s Justice Reinvestment Program; “defelonization,” reducing the penalty for personaluse possession of many drugs from a felony to a misdemeanor in 2017; and, of course, Measure 110, passed by Oregon voters in 2020.
Professor Christopher Campbell, one of the three researchers who conducted the project, said, “In the lead-up to HB 4002, many claimed that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime and overdose deaths. However, our findings offer little to no support for those claims.” Campbell continued, “While the rollout of M110 had real problems, and trends varied somewhat by county, by 2023 most metrics in drug arrests, charges, and crime rates were all either declining or stable at relatively low rates. Meanwhile, drug-related deaths began climbing rapidly before M110, peaked in 2023 and were starting to recede, though remain high going into 2024. What we observed was far from a causal connection to M110, rather, we saw an unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl on public health and safety outcomes.”
In other words, much of the loudly-proclaimed increase in drug crimes was the result of COVID-19 and its effects — crime rates were, in fact, going down before the rollback of Measure 110.
“Of all the events we examined, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the justice system the most, more so than any legislation,” said Professor Brian Renauer, another researcher on the project. “We observed COVID-19 pandemic impacts
on arrests, charges, convictions, and probation and jail admissions.”
Speaking at a press conference in March of last year, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek told reporters of HB 4002, “There are some people who believe that some connection with local law enforcement is a helpful motivator for some folks to get into treatment. I think what you see in the bill is an attempt to say if that is true, let’s make sure folks are getting to treatment.”
Let’s be clear: calling “connection with local law enforcement” a “helpful motivator” is a polite euphemism for “go to treatment or go to jail.” When Measure 110 was passed, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting, state leaders failed to mandate or fund training for law enforcement — HB 4002 also does not include provisions for training police. If the goal of the law is to truly reduce drug abuse and rehabilitate those struggling with addiction, it’s hard to see how, exactly, the state intends to accomplish that.
“As the state experiences yet another shift to reform drug laws, we have to keep in mind that the good intentions of the reforms can often fall prey to the convenience of practice. Deflection will only be as successful as we allow it to be,” Campbell said. “Our findings show that policy change alone isn’t enough. Unless deflection
is backed by buy-in from all agencies involved in a meaningful effort to engage, then the good intentions of reform risk becoming symbolic rather than transformational.”
Advocates have been saying for years that the failure of Measure 110 to facilitate better treatment outcomes lies in state officials’ hands-off approach to the law. “They didn’t see that the voters gave them this really imperfect tool but were committed to reducing substance use disorder rates and increased access to treatment,” said Mike Marshall, director of Oregon Recovers, a rehabilitation and prevention advocacy nonprofit, in February 2024. “Instead,” he said, “they simply tried to do the least amount of work to administer it to the letter of the law.”
Things look to be the same now. As the recent PSU study has shown, the stated rationale for rolling back Measure 110 — rising drug crime rates — is not nearly as clear-cut as lawmakers have made it out to be. In their haste to jump on the reactionary bandwagon, the Oregon Legislature has taken a step backward, and brought us with them. Let us hope that, one day, we will elect a legislature prepared to actually address the causes of the problem of drug abuse — not just put a thin blue band-aid over the wound.
NASH BENNETT
The Multnomah County Justice Center, located in Downtown Portland.
Autumn On the Cheap Ideas for a fun, frugal fall
It’s officially fall, and that means AUTUMN ACTIVITIES!!! “But think of the cost!” you might say. “In this economy?!” What if I told you that there’s a wealth of autumnal recreations right here in Portland (and surrounding areas) — for free! You heard me right: $0.
Okay, some things do cost money. But not that much! And most of them are zero-cost, like the first on the list…
PUMPKIN PATCHES (VARIOUS LOCATIONS)
If you’re a fan of big orange vegetables and picking your own food and/or decorative gourds, you’re going to love this: it’s called a “pumpkin patch,” and it’s taking the nation by storm.
Turns out, there are plenty of farms all over the Portland metro area that will let you tramp around the grounds — get this — for free. You’ll probably have to pay for the pumpkins, but you can find a whole host of free and low-cost activities at farms like Sauvie Island’s Bella Organic Pumpkin Patch & Winery (free hayrides!), the Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch (ride the cow train for $5!!), or Lee Farms in Tualatin (with its own piglet and bunny-occupied petting zoo!!!).
HALLOWEENTOWN (ST. HELENS)
Did you grow up watching the “Halloweentown” movies? Are you interested in seeing the town where they were filmed? Do
you just like Halloween and Halloween-related activities? Oh, boy, do I have the thing for you.
Visit the historic St. Helens Old Town District anytime between Sept. 27 to Halloween to see the little town all dressed up with ghostly decorations, including a replica of the skeleton cab driver Benny’s taxi from “Halloweentown.”
See also several of the filming locations for “Twilight” (yes, they filmed the sparkly vampire movies there too), including many of the homes and storefronts seen in the films. Or, if you don’t care about either of those movies, you can simply enjoy the Halloween celebrations every weekend in October, beginning with the lighting of the Great Pumpkin. It’s simply too spooky to miss.
THE CORN MAIZE (SAUVIE ISLAND)
Do you like puzzles? How about corn? What’s your relationship like with your family and/ or friends?
If you’re not worried about a Monopoly-level breakdown of communication whilst stuck inside your cornstalk prison, bring your loved ones along to the Corn Maize on Sauvie Island! The maze is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October (10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).
LONE FIR CEMETERY HISTORICAL TOURS (SE PORTLAND)
Does a guided cemetery tour sound like a fun Saturday afternoon? You’re in luck. Lone Fir Cemetery offers two guided tours every
month — the “Historical Tour” and the “Stories in Stone Tour” — to answer all your cemeteryrelated questions, like “Do you have ghosts?” and “Who’s the spookiest dead person here?” and “No, seriously, are there ghosts?”
GO LEAF PEEPING (VARIOUS LOCATIONS)
Despite its unfortunate name, leaf peeping is one of the most fun (and free!) activities you can do this fall. Check out the Farmers’ Almanac fall leaves schedule to predict when the trees around you will turn brown (in Oregon, Oct. 12–28), or take a look at the Smoky Mountains 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map for a fun visual representation of the color changes across the United States coming this autumn. Check out iconic Portland locales like the Hoyt Arboretum, Cathedral Park and PSU’s own section of the South Park Blocks, or my personal favorite, Laurelhurst Park. It’s not quite time for the leaves to turn, but give it a few weeks and we’ll be in prime leaf peeping season.
PORTLAND OPEN STUDIOS (VARIOUS LOCATIONS)
If you’re more of an artsy person, keep an eye out for Portland Open Studios, a citywide October tradition where visitors can tour the studios of photographers, painters, craftspeople and other creatives across Portland. On the second and third weekends in October, you can enjoy the works of around 100 artists, talk to the artists themselves, and even watch them while they work. Talk about peeping!
NICK GATLIN
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
Autumn festivities at Bella Organic Farms on Sauvie Island.
Cozy Fall Favorite Study Corners
New on campus? Here’s five must-go places to study this term.
ADYAN HUSSEIN
Fall term has ascended upon us in full force… and you know what that means. It’s time to wrestle with our sleep schedules and study in the coziest nooks possible on and around Portland State University’s campus. Crisp air, colorful leaves and the whistle of campus life is the perfect background for reading with a toasty drink in hand.
WILD ROSE CAFE
Headed down SW 6th Ave? Grab a coffee and take a seat! Once you’re inside you’re greeted by a warm retro interior, comfy couches and the aroma of fresh coffee. Wild Rose is known around campus as a fan-favorite study spot.
PORTLAND STATE LIBRARY
Pick a floor and lay your entire Apple ecosystem out on a study table at Portland State’s library, there’s plenty of space! With six different floors and resources around every corner, it’s the perfect place to finish up an essay or get tutoring for that 300 level 19th Century Victorian Graveyards course that’s been killing you all term. From bookable presentation and study rooms, to computers and printers free for all students, it has everything you need to power through a study session.
SMITH MEMORIAL STUDENT UNION (SMSU)
The second floor of the SMSU has single couch chairs and tables available for you depending on your mood. The entire floor has seats scattered throughout, as well as one big area where you can get together with classmates and figure out the economic state of the world (à la esteemed philosopher Jaden Smith).
SMITH CULTURAL RESOURCE CENTERS
While you’re in SMSU, drop by the cultural centers to (attempt to) get work done and meet new people! MENASA (Middle Eastern North African South Asian) student center, PAC (PanAfrican Commons), PIAA (Pacific Islander and Asian American) Student Center and La Casa Latina Student Center are all open during the weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There’s nothing more homey than studying with members of your own community!
CAFFE UMBRIA
Looking for pastries and a coffee to get you to that deadline? Look no further, Caffe Umbria is here for you. Across from the Portland Art Museum and only a 10 minute walk from campus, Caffe Umbria is a chic and cozy place to stress and have a midterm crisis. From matcha to coffee to tea, this place has it all. Get there before all the seats are taken!
SAGE LAMOTT
Gut-ripping, angry, vocalized lyricism combines with young fervor and joy. Fun’s, “Some Nights” has gone triple platinum in my house ever since my mom bought the CD from a Starbucks in 2012. The album boasts a few pop mainstream hits including “Some Nights” and “We are Young”. Capturing the essence of the gritty, maximalist 2010’s, the album screams Portland hipster, in the best way. Despite being defined as a pop album, this collection of songs are ambiguous in genre.
Jack Antonoff, drummer and producer, carries the energy of this album. Known for producing famous pop artists, Antonoff has a signature flair that feels authentic in this specific work. What expresses itself as synthy pop, often forced, technoism in most of his modern samples reads as experimental and natural here. Andrew Jost, pianist, introduces a grounding jazz element. Ruess sings soulfully and earnestly.
“Carry On” is hopeful and sorrowful, a clear expression of the album’s successful storytelling. The narrative of the song is soft, poetic, “Well I woke up to the sound of silence. The cars were cutting like knives in fist fights.” He blends the sentences together in this beginning verse, telling a story, creating an environment for the rest of the song to settle into. The lyrics are intriguing and the comparison is unique. Lyrics are written like the opening line of a movie such as, “And I found you with a bottle of wine and your head in the curtains and heart like the Fourth of July.”
This lyricism shines because it builds anticipation as the story develops. The music goes through stages. Its conclusion is youthful, triumphant and defiant, posing it as a shining example of the albums’ thesis.
You can really hear and feel the joy of the artists behind “Some Nights.” It’s whimsical and intricate in the way that it contrasts itself. The three artists have a common goal, made clear by how seamlessly the honest language pairs with exuberant sound.
