WKU Terminates Affiliation with Pride Center Following House Bill 4

Bowling Green, Kentucky – Western Kentucky University (WKU) has officially terminated its affiliation with the Pride Center following the enactment of House Bill 4 by Kentucky lawmakers. This new law prohibits higher education institutions from aiding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Despite a veto from Governor Andy Beshear, D-Ky., the law was passed, which prohibits universities from providing differential treatment or benefits based on religion, race, sex, color, or national origin.

As a result of this legislation, the Pride Center, established in 2017 to provide support for the LGBTQ+ community at WKU, will now operate solely as a student-run organization without official university backing. The center will lose its office, previously located in the Downing Student Union, due to non-compliance with the provisions of House Bill 4.

WKU’s General Counsel, Andrea Anderson, announced these significant changes during a Student Government Association meeting, affirming that public universities are required to dismantle and defund all DEI efforts. The decision negatively impacts support services available to the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

Following the announcement, WKU spokesperson Jace Lux confirmed that the university will no longer provide support resources, meeting space, or financial assistance to the Pride Center. This development has prompted mixed reactions from students. One junior expressed disappointment at the decision and acknowledged a sense of inevitability surrounding the changes, while another emphasized the ongoing need for safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students amidst new challenges.

The implications of House Bill 4 extend beyond the Pride Center. The WKU Sisterhood, a fundraising organization at the university, has been instructed to either “diversify or disaffiliate.” This means the Sisterhood must modify its membership criteria to include all genders, or choose to operate independently, which would involve changes to its funding practices.

WKU’s administration is currently awaiting further guidance from the Kentucky Attorney General’s office regarding the implications for alumni groups like the WKU Sisterhood. In response to these changes, students and faculty have raised concerns over the loss of safe spaces and the chilling effect that such legislation may have on ongoing DEI initiatives.

Despite the disaffiliation of the Pride Center, the Queer Student Union (QSU) will continue to have access to the space formerly occupied by the Pride Center. This arrangement allows for continued discussions among students about gender and identity, highlighting the perceived setback caused by the actions surrounding the Pride Center.

Impact of the Legislation

• The enactment of House Bill 4 impacts multiple DEI initiatives at WKU and requires public universities to dismantle and defund all related efforts.
• The disaffiliation of the Pride Center indicates broader challenges for LGBTQ+ support services on campus.

Community Response

• Students and faculty have expressed concern over the potential loss of safe spaces and the implications for diversity and inclusion.
• Organizations such as the WKU Sisterhood are also affected, facing pressure to change their membership policies.

Background

The Pride Center was established in 2017 as a supportive space for LGBTQ+ students, providing resources and community engagement opportunities. The recent legislative changes have sparked significant dialogue among students regarding the future of inclusivity on campus.

FAQs

• What is House Bill 4? House Bill 4, passed by Kentucky lawmakers, prohibits higher education institutions from aiding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
• How has House Bill 4 affected the Pride Center at WKU? WKU has terminated its affiliation with the Pride Center, which was founded in 2017, leaving it to operate as a student-run organization.
• What changes will the Pride Center face due to House Bill 4? The Pride Center will lose its office located in the Downing Student Union due to non-compliance with House Bill 4.
• Are there other organizations affected by House Bill 4? Yes, the WKU Sisterhood has been told to “diversify or disaffiliate,” impacting their membership criteria and funding practices.
• What concerns have been raised by students and faculty? Students and faculty have expressed concern regarding the loss of safe spaces and the chilling effect on DEI initiatives.