Oregon college's controversial "Whiteness History Month"

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon college's innovative approach to inspire conversations about racism and diversity — Whiteness History Month — has sparked controversy.

Portland Community College says the project will examine race and racism "through an exploration of the construction of whiteness, its origins and heritage." It will take place during the month of April.

The goal, says the school, is to raise awareness about how whiteness and white privilege affect people's daily lives.

Conservative bloggers have called it "whiteness shaming." They say the college is trying to be too politically correct.

The school says shaming isn't its intention. Instead, the project will examine how racism is created and embedded in history, structures and institutions.

The concept is similar to that explored in whiteness studies, a relatively new academic field.