Whitman Students Interview Governor Inslee

By Sydney London ’23

While campus was quiet due to spring break departures, a select few students had the opportunity to interview Governor Jay Inslee on pressing matters surrounding the climate crisis, housing initiatives and other current issues that affect not only students but also residents in the Walla Walla Valley and beyond.

The interview was hosted by Whitman’s student-run radio station KWCW 90.5 FM, with questions prompted by four students across classes, majors and organizations: Politics-Environmental Studies major Elio Van Gorden ’23, representing the Campus Climate Coalition; Biology-Environmental Studies major Fraser Moore ’23 serving as Interim President of Associated Students of Whitman College; German Studies, Politics-Environmental Studies double major Parsa Keshavarzalamdari ’25, student-manager of KWCW; and first-year Lindsey Pasena-Littlesky ’26, representing the Indigenous Peoples Education and Culture Club.

Inslee talked about current policy successes and encouraged the students to continue fueling their passions by being vocal about what matters to them, helping to further sustainability and affordable housing efforts, now and in the future.

“You’re the most adept at understanding climate science, you’re the most committed to doing something about climate change,” said Inslee. “You’re the most innovative generation in Washington state history. You four are really inspiring me to believe we’re going to do some good work starting here at Whitman.”