Salt Lake City, UT – More than a year and a half after Lauren McCluskey, a student at the University of Utah, was shot and killed by an abusive ex-boyfriend, revelations of police sexual harassment continue to be uncovered. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that an officer involved in the McCluskey case downloaded explicit photos of McCluskey to his personal cell phone, later showing them to a coworker. These photos had been provided to the University of Utah Police Department (UPD) as evidence after they were used to extort McCluskey for $1000. The officer in question is now working in the Logan City Police Department.

Salt Lake City, UT – Every victory comes with new challenges and new setbacks. Organizers with Students for a Democratic Society are learning that lesson in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as they start a new struggle for hazard pay as well as refunds for fees and tuition.

Salt Lake City, UT – The Trump administration rang in the New Year by putting millions of lives at risk with the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and threatening a war with Iran. Similarly, Salt Lake City police began 2020 with a violent raid on the homeless community and the organizers fighting to protect them.

Salt Lake City, UT – More than 100 people gathered at the City and County Building on July 9 to protest the construction of the Inland Port in northwest Salt Lake Valley. The Inland Port will worsen air quality in Salt Lake Valley, which already has some of the worst air in the United States. Police assaulted the protesters, who were singing songs and dancing, inside the Chamber of Commerce Building, injuring many and arresting eight.

Salt Lake City, UT – Teachers in the Salt Lake Education Association walked out of a Salt Lake City Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday night, June 4. The meeting was held the night before the last day of school and was attended almost entirely by teachers, some of whom had brought their own children. They wore red shirts to show their solidarity to their union, their students and each other and they carried signs reading “6%” showing their demand to have their salaries raised by 6% in their upcoming contract with the district. The teachers all walked out during the comment period, where input on the upcoming contract is not allowed – until the negotiations are settled.

Salt Lake City, UT – 40 community members gathered on a cold Saturday afternoon, February 23, to protest Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border. People came out to denounce what is understood as a racist and anti-immigrant ‘emergency’ and border wall. They also came because of the anti-immigrant attacks that continue to happen in Salt Lake City. Police brutalize Black and brown people, family members continue to be deported and anti-immigrant white supremacist groups have started organizing on college campuses in the city.

Salt Lake City, UT – More than 70 people rallied in downtown Salt Lake City, October 27, to protest Trump’s proposed policies that would erase protections for transgender and non-binary individuals. Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at the University of Utah organized the event, in conjunction with other protests by SDS chapters around the country.

Salt Lake City, UT – Over 4000 people gathered in protest Dec. 2, on the stairs of the Utah State Capitol Building. They gathered in solidarity with the indigenous tribes, and in preparation of Trump’s visit on Dec. 4, when he is expected to announce the significant shrinking of two national monuments located in southern Utah; Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. The rally was hosted by 16 different groups, mainly environmental non-profits, and indigenous groups such as PANDOS and Utah Diné Bikéyah. The event was preceded by a drum circle and dances.