Simón Weffer (he/him/el)
simonweffer.bsky.social
Simón Weffer (he/him/el)
@simonweffer.bsky.social
Associate Professor of Sociology and Latinx Studies and Director of DEI (GASP!) at Northern Illinois University. Rabid fútbolista (forca Barça!), Star Wars/Marvel/anime nerd, and swim dad. Native Chicagoan, and papi to four fabulous chingonas.
Reposted by Simón Weffer (he/him/el)
It seems like when you write a decision giving the President king-like powers, you shouldn't be indignant when he acts like a king.
March 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Reposted by Simón Weffer (he/him/el)
They're called public records for a reason. Starting today, WIRED will *stop paywalling* articles that are primarily based on public records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, becoming the first publication to partner with @freedom.press to offer this for our new coverage.
Wired is dropping paywalls for FOIA-based reporting. Others should follow
As the administration does its best to hide public records from the public, Wired magazine is stepping up to help stem the secrecy
freedom.press
March 18, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Reposted by Simón Weffer (he/him/el)
Every person on Bluesky should know:
* Every post on Bluesky is PUBLIC forever
* Every post on Bluesky is archived by ICE, NSA, and many other agencies
* Even if you delete a post, it’s already been captured
* Judges don’t care if you were “kidding” or being ironic

www.404media.co/the-200-site...
March 16, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Reposted by Simón Weffer (he/him/el)
Posting tonight ti shine a light on what the Alien Enemies Act looks like IRL. Our @immdef.bsky.social client fled Venezuela last year & came to US to seek asylum. He has a strong claim. He was detained upon entry because ICE alleged his tattoos are gang related. They are absolutely not. 🧵
March 16, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Reposted by Simón Weffer (he/him/el)
Per a source with knowledge, external access to NIH's Enterprise Directory, which includes names and work contact info for NIH staff and contractors, may be shut off by tomorrow night. It is working as of now.

ned.nih.gov/search/
March 12, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Reposted by Simón Weffer (he/him/el)
Do you value your library?

Trump just ordered the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the key source of federal support for libraries.

Libraries are vital social infrastructure, the foundations of an open, democratic society. Gutting them means gutting our own communities.
Trump Orders Gutting of 7 Agencies, Including Voice of America’s Parent
The order targeting the agencies, largely obscure entities that address issues like labor mediation and homelessness prevention, appeared to test the bounds of the president’s power.
www.nytimes.com
March 15, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Reposted by Simón Weffer (he/him/el)
"The social science research is clear: In the absence of a countervailing message, a 1-sided debate will powerfully shape public opinion. As long as he faces no public counter-argument... Trump will punish universities & pay no cost in the court of public opinion"

www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
First They Came for Columbia | Opinion | The Harvard Crimson
We must learn from the past. We cannot remain silent in the face of authoritarian attacks on our peers, even if they have not yet come for us.
www.thecrimson.com
March 15, 2025 at 1:17 PM
The question that immediately comes to mind is how often is this happening and it’s not getting publicized? How many other green card holders are being detained, interrogated, and pressured to give up their residency and rights?
The headline really sanitizes what they did to this guy. Getting stripped naked, inadequate food, sleep deprivation sounds more like war on terror ear rendition than "interrogation."
March 15, 2025 at 2:14 PM