University of Kentucky Black student group issues ‘call to action’ to officials
February 18, 2016
Associated Press
A group of black students at the University of Kentucky and the local NAACP have issued a call to action aimed at improving diversity at the school.
Last November, the university ordered a Great Depression-era mural that features black workers toiling in a tobacco field to be covered up. The action came after students made their opposition known.
The UK Black Graduate and Professional Student Association, along with the Lexington NAACP, issued an open letter to university administrators, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
The letter calls for the university to work with minorities in a transparent way to “create an environment that truly promotes equality, equity, inclusion, and diversity at the University of Kentucky.”
The group has invited school administrators to speak at a “UK Call to Action Town Hall” on Feb. 29 at the Singletary Center.
“Addressing the university community at this event will foster a sense of trust, transparency, and help alleviate frustration among African/African American students,” the letter said.
In the letter, the group lists several recommendations it has for the university to improve the campus climate for minority students, including creating accountability measures and consequences for colleges and departments in order to reach the diversity goals outlined in the 2015-2020 strategic plan.