SPOKANE —  Students who wore blackface to an off-campus party sparked an outcry that caused classes to be canceled last Thursday so Whitman College students and faculty could attend a daylong diversity symposium.
"This is a day that is dedicated to a campus-wide discussion of issues that are important to our Whitman community," the Walla Walla private school's faculty said in an e-mail to 1,450 students.

Dr. Jean-Marie Kamatali, a Rwandan native and speaker from the Scholars at Risk Network, will speak during International Education Week, sponsored by Cascadia Community College and the University of Washington Bothell.
Kamatali will discuss global human rights issues and other topics.

Seahawk cornerback Marcus Trufant aims for a strike during the Marcus Trufant Bowling and Billiards Classic, a fund-raiser to help needy children. Trufant and his family established the Trufant Family Foundation in 2003. It distributes scholarship and other financial assistance to organizations helping children.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President George W. Bush, appearing at a groundbreaking ceremony Monday…

Diversity and democracy was on the minds of students in Jefferson High School's advanced placement in history class Monday. The class held a "voting party" to help people with their ballots and to raise awareness about the importance of voting. Ready to welcome people into the library, where the party was held, are LaToya Spencer (in back), 16, and Jacqueline Mitchell (front), 16.

Starting out with no official office and no budget, the Portland chapter of the National Association of Black Veterans is officially open. The association will place an emphasis on helping Black veterans and their families navigate the numerous benefits available from the Veteran's Administration.

From a gangster who could have had an academic future, to the current misperception of the students at Jefferson High School, two documentaries playing at the NW Film Center's 33rd Film & Video Festival will highlight different stories about life and history in areas of North Portland.
Both films will show on Nov. 13 at the Whitsell Auditorium at the Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave. "Reading Between the Lines" will begin at 7 p.m., and admission is free.
"Killingsworth" will show at 8 p.m. Admission is $7 general; $6 for members, students and seniors.

Voters were in a generous mood Tuesday when they approved ballot measures for the Portland Public Schools and for preserving natural spaces in the metropolitan area. But their message was mixed in other ballot measures.

Cleveland High School student Malcolm Anderson practices a monologue from the 2006 Rough Eagles performance of "Native Sons and Daughters" Nov. 6 at the Intiman Theatre. The Rough Eagles are a group of Cleveland and Roosevelt High School students who collaborated on a theatrical response to a play in Intiman's American Cycle Series.  The current production of The American Cycle is Richard Wright and Paul Green's play "Native Son." The students draw from their own personal experiences.

Former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice has been suggested as a possible replacement for Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Raj Manhas, who is leaving after four years as head of the district.
Manhas announced late last month that he will step down at the end of the school year. He has been widely criticized in trying to erase a $35 million budget deficit in part by closing and consolidating schools.
Manhas on Saturday said he was not being forced out.
"I have every intention of fulfilling my contract, which ends in August 2007," said Manhas, 55. "My direction comes from the school board."