Panel discussion on Chinese expulsion, part 1

Western Washington University co-hosted with the Human Rights Commemorative Project a panel discussion, “Chinese Expulsion - Legacy of Intolerance in Whatcom County,” on Monday, Nov. 8, in the Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies auditorium.

Speakers discussed the anti-Chinese movement in Whatcom County in the 1885-1890 period and issues related to Chinese residents in the Puget Sound region. The role of government, the press, labor organizations and local businesses will be a major focus.

Speakers included two WWU alumni, Margaret Willson and Jeffrey MacDonald, and former WWU Woodring College of Education lecturer Paul Englesberg, who is now on the faculty of Walden University's College of Education and Leadership. Joining them on the panel were Bettie Sing Luke, project chairperson of the Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Project (Seattle) and Xinrong Lynch, president of the Chinese Cultural Association of Whatcom County.

An exhibit titled “Chinese Expulsion in Whatcom County and Beyond” is on display in November and December at WWU’s Wilson Library.

For more information on the panel discussion, contact Christopher Wise at (360) 650-3237 or christopher.wise@wwu.edu.