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Western Kentucky University

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
Phone
(270) 745-0111
Email address
admission@wku.edu
School Information
"Welcome to Western Kentucky University (WKU), home of the Hilltoppers. Our hilltop campus is a place of beauty and friendliness. WKU is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a city with a population of more than 60,000 approximately 110 miles south of Louisville and 65 miles north of Nashville. WKU's Regional Campuses are located in Glasgow, Owensboro, and Elizabethtown-Fort Knox. Schedule a tour or visit our virtual tour to view our distinctive landmark on a hill overlooking the city. "WKU’s undergraduate division provides four-year programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Bachelor of Music, and the Bachelor of Social Work degrees. Ninety-three (93) academic majors that lead to the baccalaureate degree and seventy-seven (77) academic minors are available. A number of professional and pre-professional advising tracks provide additional options." The university enrolls over 17,500 students and has over 200 academic programs. (Source: https://www.wku.edu/about/)
General Information
Western Kentucky University is offering resources to its students to teach anti-racism and Critical Race Theory. The university has a major called “Diversity and Community Studies”, which is oriented towards “social justice” via examinations of “race, class, gender”. No Critical Race Training sessions are yet required of students. See developments below:

Actions Taken

Disciplinary Measures
Political Actions and Support for Anti-Racism
  • WKU Department of English stated that it stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Program and Research Funding
  • The school offers training on “supporting diverse student populations.”
Resources
  • The university is offering an undergraduate major called “Diversity and Community Studies”, which is oriented towards “social justice” via examinations of “race, class, gender”
  • The Potter College of Arts and Letters stated that it is “committed to implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus and supporting these fundamental values in the wider community, our nation, and the world.”
  • For Black History Month in 2024, the school hosted an event for “Race-Based Stress and Trauma and Its Impact on Mental Health” on February 26.
  • In 2023, the school launched the President’s Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for “individuals who encourage dialogue and action through advocacy, role modeling, scholarship, and service.”
  • In 2022, it was announced that WKU tied for the highest DEI score in Kentucky.
  • The Intercultural Student Engagement Center “promotes a culturally inclusive campus environment, cultural awareness and competence, inter-group dialogue, engagement and intercultural interaction, and supports lifelong learning about self and others.”
Symbolic Actions
  • Following the summer of 2020 BLM protests, the university began reexamining its history and building names.
Last updated July 17th, 2024
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