WKU community members gathered Friday in Centennial Mall to stand for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) amidst recent government action opposing it.
The demonstration at WKU was part of “Kentucky Day of DEI,” a movement at each public university in the commonwealth planned by the Kentucky Students for DEI in response to legislation such as House Bill 4.
The bill would require Kentucky’s public universities to eliminate DEI programs, offices and jobs. It would also prevent institutions from spending money on any DEI-related training or initiatives.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are not just buzzwords,” Arianna Pierson, a Kentucky Students for DEI student organizer and For the People co-founder and leader, said to the crowd. “They are the foundation of a transformative college experience.”
Pierson took a leading role in planning the rally and collaborated with student leaders in WKU Democrats, the Feminist Student Union and the Queer Student Union to create a unifying movement on campus.
“I think that what’s been going on is really dehumanizing, and I think that humans need each other more than we realize,” Pierson said.
The crowd raised flags, chanted and danced together to songs such as Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Some demonstrators picked up a megaphone to amplify their perspectives on DEI.
“We’re not just here for a small cause,” De’Anasia Johnson, a freshman nursing major said to the crowd. “Our lives depend on this.”
“We are not to be silenced,” Johnson continued, inciting cheers from the crowd.
Mary Kay Samouce and Carol Jordan, department of theatre & dance instructors, were among several faculty members who stood alongside students at the rally.
Samouce and Jordan, bearing pride merch, said it was important as faculty to support their students.
“I care deeply about all of my students,” Jordan said. “I feel like all of them have the right to exist as genuinely and honestly (to) who they are.”
Mahurin Honors College instructor Jennifer Sheffield brought her Citizen and Self class on an impromptu field trip to observe the rally. Sheffield said her class focuses on perspective and people’s obligations in a democratic society.
“I think we should come out and observe free speech in action as part of our class,” Sheffield said.
Sheffield said she believes students can make a difference and thinks a lot of change begins locally.
“I’m proud that students feel like they can voice their thoughts and opinions,” she said.
Maya Gudger, a freshman social work major, observed the rally with the Citizen and Self class.
Gudger said being a Black woman has given her a passion for protesting and DEI advocacy.
“Opportunities will never be fair for me, and DEI is a place where I can have the same level of opportunities as someone who does not look like me and someone who has not had the experiences like me,” Gudger said.
Gudger said those against DEI need to “get more educated” and understand that DEI is for the betterment of all people.
“DEI is for everyone,” Gudger said.
Perched on a pillar on the opposite side of Centennial Mall and waving a “Trump 2020” flag, Gabriel Chambers, junior meteorology major, stood as the sole counter-protester at the DEI demonstration. Chambers exchanged words upon approach, arguing with several demonstrators.
Chambers said he believed protesters were misguided.
“I think these guys are here for generally the right reason, but they come with the wrong solutions,” Chambers said.
Chambers said he understood the transition away from DEI policies would upset people since they have been around for years.
“They feel like they are entitled to these protections,” Chambers said.
Chambers said he believes DEI policies create a society not based upon merit. He continued by saying people need “to cleanse our society” of DEI policies.
Veronica Butler, WKU Democrats outreach executive, said if HB4 passed, it would create a culture of exclusion on campus.
“I don’t think it would benefit WKU to become more exclusionary,” Butler said. “I think that would drive students away. I think it’ll isolate the students that we already have here on campus.”
“I hope that our legislators listen to us about DEI at the state level and I hope that our administrators here at WKU take a stronger stance,” Butler continued. “DEI makes college possible for a lot of kids.”
With the future of DEI uncertain, Pierson and Butler said they each plan to continue fighting and advocating.
“I want Western Kentucky University to be a place where all students feel safe, all students feel heard,” Pierson said. “All of our voices matter here.”
“We’re gonna keep trying to take a stand for those people, because this is our people,” Butler said. “This is our voice that needs to be heard.”
