In response to the failing grade Washington state received for its civil rights education standards, Whitman College created the program Whitman Teaches the Movement (WTTM) two years ago to supplement Walla Walla Public Schools' lack of civil rights education. Now entering its third year, WTTM is undergoing several changes that seek to expand and streamline the program.
Seniors Shannon Morrissey, Libby Watkins and Alyssa Fairbanks, along with Assistant Dean for Student Engagement Noah Leavitt traveled to the Office of Civil Rights in Seattle on March 21 to give a presentation about their experiences teaching about the civil rights movement in Walla Walla Public Schools with the Whitman Teaches the Movement initiative. The three were also recognized with Civil Rights Education Hero Awards.
Whitman Teaches the Movement, is born out of a partnership with the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Walla Walla Public School district in response to a study conducted by the center. Whitman students will teach civil rights subjects to students in local elementary, middle and high schools.
