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Texas Lutheran University

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
1000 W Court St
Seguin, Texas 78155
Phone
(830) 372-8000
Email address
admissions@tlu.edu
School Information
Texas Lutheran University students experience a challenging academic environment that sets a path for lifelong learning. We’re bold, sincere, hardworking and committed. At TLU, we look for future Bulldogs who are intellectually curious and who have a serious interest in being involved and giving back. Founded in 1891, TLU resides on 184 scenic acres in Seguin, Texas, near San Antonio and Austin. A diverse student body of approximately 1,400 with classes averaging fewer than 20 students provides a sense of community and an environment where individuality and personal growth are as integral to success as rigorous academics.
General Information
Texas Lutheran University has fully committed to implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion. In an op-ed, President Debbie Cottrell denounced systemic racism and police brutality, and voiced support for Black Lives Matter and DEI. TLU published a “Diversity Action Plan” which called for increasing non-white enrollment and hiring, requiring pedagogical training for faculty and staff, sponsoring DEI events, posting resources, and altering curriculum to incorporate “racial justice” and “diversity.” See developments below.

Actions Taken

Anti-Racism, Bias, and Diversity Training
  • TLU's "Diversity Action Plan" commits to "Increase co-curricular modules devoted to diversity and inclusion." TLU will also "Train faculty and staff in the pedagogical practices of the Inter-Group Relations (IGR) program at the University of Michigan."
Curriculum Changes and Requirements
  • TLU's "Diversity Action Plan" committed to "Refine and expand curricular offerings in ways that emphasize diversity and inclusion."
  • TLU's Action Plan for Racial Justice promises to "Explore how racial justice issues can be woven into the curriculum..."
  • As part of its General Education requirements (Compass curriculum), students "will cover several peer-reviewed articles focusing on the overlap of science education, culture, cultural bias, and equity."
Faculty/Staff Requirements
  • TLU's "Diversity Action Plan" committed to "Prioritize faculty and staff diversity at every level of the university." TLU will also "Implement a university-wide review and revision of hiring procedures with the goal of increasing diversity."
  • TLU's "Action Plan for Racial Justice" seeks to "Ensure that TLU Athletics incorporates racial justice principles in their work with student athletes."
  • TLU posted its faculty opening for Assistant Professor of Music - Musicology, which states that responsibilities include teaching "special music topics to students from other disciplines across campus in such areas as: postcolonialism, women and gender studies, LGBTQIA+ studies, civic engagement/protest music, social justice, critical race theory, and anti-racist frameworks...."
  • Candidates interested in the full time, tenure track, Assistant Professor of English position (begins August 2024) are required to have the "ability to design innovative writing curriculum with particular attention to antiracist and social justice pedagogies."
Political Actions and Support for Anti-Racism
  • TLU President Debbie Cottrell wrote an op-ed piece for the Seguin Gazette. She wrote, "We must be clear that Black Lives Matter, that we support and protect Black students, faculty, and staff who are members of the TLU community, and that we oppose police brutality and systemic racism." She emphasizes that the student body "bring proficiency and understanding to what processes contribute to racism--particularly systemic and institutional racism--and what each of us can do to combat those."
Resources
  • TLU named David Ortiz the new "VP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion."
  • TLU publishes a number of "Featured Videos" such as a lecture by Dr. Bruce King, titled, "We Are All Marginalized in the Absence of Full Inclusion," and another by Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, titled, "Strategic Leadership in the Face of Crisis: From the Niagara Movement to Black Lives Matter."
  • TLU's "Racial Justice Resources" include presentations such as "Unlocking The Future: From Mass Incarceration to Restorative Justice," and "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindedness."
  • TLU's posting for the Assistant Professor of English faculty position states that in order for candidates to be "fully considered," they should submit a "[s]tatement that addresses your past or potential future contributions to diversity through teaching, research, or service and/or your experience working with underrepresented student populations." This is a tenure track position for the "Cultures, English & World Languages to begin August 2024."
  • In order for candidates interested in the full time, tenure track, Assistant Professor of Finance position (begins August 2024) to be "fully considered," candidates should submit a "[s]tatement that addresses your past or potential future contributions to diversity through teaching, research, or service and/or your experience working with underrepresented student populations."
Symbolic Actions
  • President Debbie Cottrell issued a statement on "Campus-Wide Diversity Efforts." She wrote, "We also recognize that the critical work of diversity, inclusion, and equity is not easy, nor is it ever finished."
Last updated March 6th, 2024
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