Skip to content

Louisiana Tech University

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 3178
Ruston, Louisiana 71272
Phone
(318) 257-3036
Email address
bulldog@latech.edu
School Information
Louisiana Tech was founded in 1894. "As a selective-admissions, comprehensive public university, Louisiana Tech is committed to quality in teaching, research, creative activity, public service, and workforce/economic development. Louisiana Tech maintains as its highest priority the education and development of its students in a challenging, yet safe and supportive, diverse community of learners" (Source: https://www.latech.edu/about/). The school's total enrollment is over 11,00 and the school offers 63 undergraduate degrees. The student to faculty ratio is 23 to 1.
General Information
Louisiana Tech has implemented numerous diversity initiatives in response to the death of George Floyd. Tech received a grant from Origin Bank to launch DEI training and diversity speaker programs. A podcast discussing the campus' diversity initiatives and inclusive excellence has also been created. At this time, diversity training is offered but not indicated to be required. However, see developments below:

Actions Taken

Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
  • The Origin Bank grant will be used to "purchase DEI training modules to launch the 'Train the Trainers' program."
  • The Office of Multicultural Affairs "offers trainings on diversity, cultural awareness, sensitivity and inclusion."
Program and Research Funding
  • Tech recently received a grant from Origin Bank in the amount of $40,000 to its Department of Inclusion Initiatives and Student Success.
  • The Origin Bank grant will be used to "purchase/develop a campus climate survey to address DEI concerns."
  • The Origin Bank grant will be used to "partially fund a DEI speaker series for the entire campus and community."
  • The Origin Bank grant will be used to "partially fund the production of 'The First Series Guest Lecture Series' highlighting the lives and legacy of the first African-American students, faculty, and staff members of Louisiana Tech."
Resources
  • Tech was recently "named as one of 19 national universities recently selected to participate in a three-year institutional change initiative known as IChange as part of Aspire: The National Alliance for Inclusive & Diverse STEM Faculty."
  • On January 15, 2021, Tech announced that "Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business will host Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace on Tuesday, Feb. 2. The virtual forum includes six sessions featuring an array of speakers who are diversity, equity, and inclusion thought-leaders from top global corporations."
  • The school created a Beyond 1894 podcast and stated, "In the Beyond 1894 interview, Devonia talks about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our campus community. She has long advocated for creating safe spaces for all members of our community to have conversations about diversity and creating inclusive excellence."
  • On March 21, 2023, the College of Business held a virtual "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace" forum, which gave "students, faculty, staff, and community members the opportunity to have important conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion in the context of business."
  • The school’s main page outlines the school’s intention to “create an inclusive environment through diversity of race, gender, thought, and experience.”
Symbolic Actions
  • In response to the death of George Floyd, Louisiana Tech's dean released a letter saying "Like most, I did not know Mr. Floyd or the others, yet I empathize and grieve with their family and friends because sadly their deaths or experiences are not unlike so many who have gone before them. As a Black woman, wife, mother, friend, mentor, and professional who champions diversity and inclusion of ALL people I find myself struggling mentally and emotionally from the weight of all of the racial injustice. It concerns and saddens me."
  • Louisiana Tech stated "I know that many of you are feeling anger and hurt tied to the death of George Floyd. His death – and those of many other people of color throughout our nation’s history – was wrong. One source of our University’s strength is its diversity, and our contrasts create learning experiences beyond the classroom. I realize the privileges that can come from the color of one’s skin, and I join with our students, faculty, staff, and alumni in pledging to learn from all the members of our campus community. I see you, and I value your humanity."
  • The university has highlighted numerous DEI initiatives over the Fall of 2020. Namely, "SGA rounded out its cabinet committees with the inaugural DEI co-chairs positions."
Last updated September 25th, 2024
©2024 Critical Race Training in Education. All rights reserved.