Wednesday, November 16, 2022

From LGBTQIA+ Student Services:

 

Structural systems as we know it are continuing to fail the transgender community when it comes to their acceptance, safety, and place in society. Theorists C. Riley Snorton and Jin Haritaworn have forewarned the dangers of circulating images and narratives centering on the deaths of trans people of color—most particularly transfeminine people of color. This phenomenon is a form of conditioning that legitimizes the bodies of transfeminine individuals only after death without being cognizant of their gender identity and position as a woman in society. As a result, we are prevented from seeing the impacts of structural transphobia, racism and violence until it is too late.

 

The week of November 13 to 19 is dedicated as Trans Awareness Week where various individuals and organizations bring attention to public education, policy change, and community efforts to address the complex causes of anti-trans violence, and ensure victims can receive support.

 

Trans Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on November 20 that memorializes the lives of our trans siblings who we’ve lost over the past year. It was started in 1999 by trans activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a woman of trans experience who was killed in 1998. Trans Day of Remembrance has become an important tradition in the LGBTQIA+ community as women, especially Black and Brown women, continue to face anti-trans violence, racism and misogyny. 

 

As we continue to uplift the voices and lived experiences of the trans community, we encourage you to think critically and intentionally about your engagement and activism when it comes to creating trans-inclusive spaces—both on and off campus. If you would like to know more about trans inclusivity, we are giving a workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17 in Reid Campus Center 240.

Noteworthy

Associate Professor of Sociology and Garrett Fellow Alissa Cordner published two papers recently. Cordner received corresponding author credit on "Presumptive Contamination: A New Approach to PFAS Contamination Based on Likely Sources" published in Environmental Science & Technology, and provided invited commentary on "Improving governance of 'forever chemicals' in the US and beyond" in One Earth, an interdisciplinary environmental science journal.

Looking for the new bivalent booster? Whitman College is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinic from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today in Cordiner Hall. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. (The online registration may direct you to a Medical Care-A-Van location on Merriam St., however, the actual location is Cordiner Hall.) Don't forget to bring your vaccine card/record or visit waverify.doh.wa.gov to get a copy of your record sent to your phone.

In this series, Whitman professors present controversial topics and lead engaging discussions, all within the comfort of the student residence halls. And if that isn’t sweet enough, there will be cookies to fuel the conversation! Join us at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Anderson Hall main lounge for a discussion on the topic "Is there such a thing as Secular Privilege?" led by Patrick Frierson, the Paul Pigott and William M. Allen Professor of Ethics and Philosophy.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights is celebrated widely on the Indian subcontinent. The South Asian Students Association will host a Diwali celebration event, "Omkara: A Night in South Asia," from 6-8 p.m. tomorrow in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. The event will include authentic Indian food, a fashion show, trivia, a spice eating challenge, music, decorations, a photo booth, and dance. (RSVP)

The Freedom Zine accompanies Freedom Songs, a student-led racial justice program that looks to uplift various forms of music and art and recognize our differences. The 2022 theme of Freedom Songs is "Freedom Sings: Art is our Resistance." Email your submissions (including, but not limited to, poetry, photography, prose, art) by Saturday, Nov. 21. 

The HEDS Campus Climate Survey is open for students. This anonymous survey asks students for their perceptions of Whitman’s campus climate, perceptions of how Whitman supports diversity and equity, and about experiences with discrimination and harassment. Students, check your email for the survey link.

Daily COVID-19 Update

In accordance with Washington state Labor & Industries employer requirements, we are notifying the campus community that since yesterday, one person with Whitman access was confirmed positive for COVID-19. 

 

Please continue to follow all our campus COVID-19 protocols to help prevent transmission. If you have any symptoms that may be COVID-19 or know that you may have been exposed to coronavirus, please be tested. Additional masks and rapid test kits are available in the front entryway at the Welty Student Health Center during normal operating hours. 

Have an event you'd like to share with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.

“Whitman Today” is produced by the Office of Communications and is emailed Monday through Friday to Whitman College staff, faculty and students. All times are listed in Pacific Daylight Time. 

 

All submissions are welcome! If you have accomplishments to celebrate, an event to publicize or other content to share with the Whitman community, email whitmantoday@whitman.edu. Submissions should be 125 words or less. The deadline is noon for the following day's newsletter. Submissions may be edited and/or held for a later date according to space and editorial needs. Your submission also authorizes use on Whitman's social media unless otherwise specified.

 

Previous issues of Whitman Today are archived on our website.