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Whittier College

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
13406 E. Philadelphia St.
P.O. Box 634
Whittier, California 90608
Phone
(562) 907-4238
Email address
admission@whittier.edu
School Information
"Today, Whittier College is a cosmopolitan vanguard of 21st century society, recognized worldwide as a distinctive and relevant liberal arts college, offering additional graduate degrees in both education and law. More than 50 percent of Whittier College undergraduates, and three of its four Rhodes Scholars, are from underrepresented ethnic and international groups; this kind of cultural diversity, which permeates both classroom and campus community, profoundly strengthens intellectual discourse and provides a realistic exposure to the kind of world students will enter upon graduation. Students and faculty continue a long tradition of community service, echoing the Quaker conviction that helping others is a moral obligation. International study opportunities enrich every field and major, reflecting the Quaker idea that truth transcends the boundaries of race, culture, and nation" (Source: https://www.whittier.edu/about/history). Founded in 1887 by the Religious Society of Friends, the college now offers over 50 majors and concentrations with an undergraduate enrollment of over 1,700. The student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1.
General Information
In response to the death of George Floyd, Whittier College made plans to restructure its framework. Whittier College plans to incorporate concepts of diversity in its curriculum and alter the emphasis of such curriculum. Additionally, Whittier College has provided numerous CRT resources for faculty. Whittier College engages in CRT training for students, faculty, and staff, with plans on increasing the magnitude of such training. See developments below:

Actions Taken

Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
  • Whittier College hosts programming such as the "Anti-Racism and You" conference. The college states that "the goals of this session are to further your individual and collective understanding of anti-racism, increase your comfort level when talking about racism, and strengthen your practice of anti-racism."
  • The college will "increase racial equity and justice training" as well as partner with another institution's Race and Equity Center to provide "equity training."
Curriculum Changes and Requirements
  • On June 3, 2020, Whittier College responded to the death of George Floyd by stating, "Our curriculums will change—both inside and outside the classroom; our systems, structures, and strategies will change; our community culture will change. We will be a better, more equitable institution."
  • There is a plan to adjust the curriculum to reflect "the inclusion of Black voices."
Disciplinary Measures
  • The college plans to "develop meaningful methods of holding faculty, staff, and students accountable when they commit acts of racial bias."
Program and Research Funding
  • Whittier will provide funding for "scholarships aimed at new and current Black students."
  • The college will also "increase budget for Africana and Black Studies Minor."
Resources
  • On June 4, 2020, Whittier College held a session titled, "Addressing Anti-Blackness."
  • Whittier College provided many resources for anti-racism relating to the BLM movement.
  • Whittier College also provided resources on CRT, including resources from the Director of the Center for Critical Race Studies at UCLA.
  • In August 2020, Whittier College announced its Racial Justice and Equity Action Plan. The college leadership stated that it will improve "mentoring processes and programs' for "Black Board of Trustee members."
  • As part of the Racial Justice and Equity Action, Whittier College will also create a new position for the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Academic Affairs Division. This Associate Dean will work in the Inclusion and Diversity Committee, change faculty development, and "advocate for structural changes."
Symbolic Actions
  • The college stated it will, "undertake a Whittier College history project, examining the Quaker founding of the institution and its influence on racial equity and social justice at the College."
  • Whittier College plans to "develop a speaker/entertainment series highlighting expressions of Blackness in Southern California."
Last updated February 25th, 2024
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