Wednesday, October 26, 2022

From Dr. John Johnson, vice president for diversity and inclusion:

 

Every year around this time, some campus in the United States explodes into turmoil because a student donned a culturally insensitive Halloween costume. Despite warnings from administrators like me, we continue to see people make offensive costume choices.

 

Last year LeMoyne and Northern Arizona University gained national exposure related to offensive costumes. We did not see as much of this kind of thing in 2020 since most campuses were remote at that time, but Franklin & Marshall had some problems in this area back in 2019. In a 2018 article in The Atlantic, author Adam Harris references content from 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 created in response to cultural appropriation/exploitation during the Halloween season in each of those years. The article, "America Can’t Seem to Kick Its Racist Costume Habit," notes that “Colleges warn students every Halloween not to wear inappropriate or offensive costumes, but they struggle to prevent the incidents.”

 

Last year in Whitman Today, rather than admonitions, we offered some guidance for people to consider when deciding on a costume. Read more.

Noteworthy

The Whitman College men's soccer team posted their fifth straight victory with a 2-0 Senior Day win over Puget Sound in Northwest Conference action this past weekend. Prior to the match, the Blues honored seniors Asher Bachtold, Carter Giles, Riley Kraft, McCoy Hennes, Derivan Dockter and Rowan Calvert for their contributions to Whitman soccer. 

Don't miss the annual Academic Majors Fair, from 3:30-6 p.m. today in the Cordiner Hall Foyer. All are welcome! 

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion and Human Resources will host a reception for new employees hired since January 1 into regular staff positions from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 at Dama Wines Tasting Room in downtown Walla Walla. Please RSVP in advance (click on "register"). We very much look forward to spending time with you!

The first event of the Youth Climate Justice and Activism Speaker Series will be held 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 in Olin 138 (and on Zoom). This event features youth activists discussing their work, highlighting how climate justice fits into what they do and how climate action is necessary regardless of age or experience. 

Beginning next week, the Whitman College Bookstore will start returning unpurchased Fall semester textbooks to publishers. If you still need any textbooks, please stop by the bookstore soon. Don't wait until they are gone!

Each year, the Pete & Hedda Reid Award recognizes one Whitman faculty or staff member for their exceptional volunteer work within the community. Candidates must have worked at Whitman for at least three years. The online nomination form is now open, and all nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The award recipient will be honored during a Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony and will receive $1,000. View past recipients.

Daily COVID-19 Update

In accordance with Washington state Labor & Industries employer requirements, we are notifying the campus community that since yesterday, no one 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 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Welty Student Health Center. 

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.