'White Privilege' Essay Contest In Westport Reportedly Receives Record Number of Submissions

WESTPORT, CT — A record number of submissions were entered in the annual TEAM Westport essay contest, which this year received national attention because of its "white privilege" subject matter.

The exact number of essays submitted was not disclosed, but Harold Bailey Jr., founder of Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism Westport, confirmed to the Westport News that the number exceeded 25 submissions.

Local students were asked to write an essay based on this question: "In 1,000 words or less, describe how you understand the term ‘white privilege.’ To what extent do you think this privilege exists? What impact do you think it has had in your life—whatever your racial or ethnic identity—and in our society more broadly?"

TEAM Westport has run the contest for four straight years, and in each instance has asked an essay question that deals with various aspects of multiculturalism, race and society.

But this year's topic sparked controversy with some who believed asking the question was unfair or painted Westport negatively.

The essays are currently being evaluated, and the best ones will be selected just prior to the April 3 winners' ceremony.

Click here to read the full story on the Westport News website.