National nonprofit Campus Pride increases rating for Western Kentucky University
Over the last five years, Western Kentucky University has increased its Campus Pride Index rating from two stars to 4.5 stars for efforts to make the campus a safe and welcoming learning environment for LGBTQ+ students.
Western Kentucky University has prioritized making its campus an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ community members over the last two years, according to a recent news release. A new rating from Campus Pride, a national nonprofit that monitors colleges and universities across the country, gave WKU 4.5 stars, making the university the fourth most LGBTQ+ friendly school in the state. WKU's score has increased from 2 stars since the 2016-2017 academic year. The progress, according to administration, has been through a deliberate effort to make the university more welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
According to Dr. Molly Kerby, Assistant Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Co-Chief Diversity Officer, improving the Campus Pride Index rating has been a goal for WKU. Dr. Kerby said, "Through a collaborative effort, WKU has worked diligently over the past two years to increase that rating and create a more welcoming environment for all LGBTQ+ members of our campus community. The WKU 2018-28 Strategic Plan, Climbing to Greater Heights, set a metric of achievement at a 5-star rating on the index by 2027-28; we are way ahead of schedule."
Campus Pride was formed in 2007 with the goal of establishing benchmarks for colleges to create campuses that are safe and welcoming for members of LGBTQ+ communities. In doing so, they have created a rating system that helps colleges and universities set goals for improvement and a database for students to find supportive learning environments. With the new rating released, WKU has set a new goal, as Dr. Kerby explained, "The University DEI Workgroup plans to work with stakeholders to obtain that 5-star rating within the next year, if possible."