“This week, Butler University commemorates its history of almost 170 years with the Founder’s Celebration. The celebration — now hosted by the university’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — began on Tuesday, Feb. 6, and will run through Friday, Feb. 9.”
Butler University’s lack of faculty diversity affects us all
While Butler University prioritizes diversity and inclusion, its faculty does not represent this ideal.
Observing a history of racial diversity
Butler University boasts a rich history of racial acceptance. However, some decades of Butler’s history are also tainted with influence from the Ku Klux Klan and segregation. “Ovid Butler had a very high vision of racial equality, which was, unfortunately, not always upheld,” Sally Childs-Helton, Irwin Library’s rare books and special collections librarian, said. Butler’s…
Founder’s day set to return
Butler University is reintroducing Founder’s Day on Thursday to shed light on how the university was started. The event has not taken place since 1966. Members Butler’s staff, including Vivian Deno, said they want to use this event to remind students of the values Butler was founded upon. “We hope to give students a point…
Illustrator returns to campus
Children’s book illustrator Michele Wood will give a presentation at Butler University this week to help celebrate Founder’s Day. Founder’s Day marks the birthday of Ovid Butler, an Indianapolis native who was heavily involved with the university’s creation. On Thursday, Wood will be speaking about her latest work—a collaboration with Cynthia Grady—titled “I Lay My…
OPINION | Butler has made progress, needs to continue diversity work
Ovid Butler, an abolitionist, founded Butler University in 1855 with the dream that all students could receive an education far removed from society’s prejudices. Today, Butler isn’t a picture of perfection, but it has come a long way. The Diversity Center and Black Student Union are just a few of the groups that support and…