Oregon college to host "Whiteness History Month"

PORTLAND, OR (KTRK) -- An Oregon college's plan to host "Whiteness History Month" in April is raising some eyebrows.

Portland Community College says the month is a response to student concerns about diversity among faculty and staff.

"I think we need to clarify the purpose of the white history month project. It's an invitation to a dialogue about whiteness the construction of whiteness. Politically and socially," Dean of Instruction Kurt Simonds said.

He says the idea behind the title of the month was to stir up a conversation.

"At think this point in time a lot of people don't' want to talk about it because it's ugly. But it's necessary it's happening," student Bri Williams said.

Students say there's always room for improvement on race relations.

The college is currently working out the details and confirming speakers for the month.