Friday, October 3, 2025
IN PRINT: WKU adjusts to anti-DEI legislation
In compliance with House Bill 4, a bill eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Kentucky’s public universities, WKU has been tasked with flagging programs, scholarships and classes within the university that may not meet the bill’s requirements.
Vetoed by Gov. Andy Beshear, and then overridden by the Kentucky House and Senate via the Republican majority on March 27, HB 4 prohibits Kentucky colleges and universities from considering race, religion, sex and national origin when funding scholarships and making admission decisions. The bill also prohibits funding toward DEI-related programs and organizations, and DEI training and statements.
(FILE PHOTO) Western Kentucky University ISEC students marched in a parade to E A Diddle Arena, on Friday, Oct 9th, 2020 Programs such as ISEC were flagged by WKU in compliance with Kentucky’s House Bill 4
Read more by Libby Simpson
Downing Student Union room 2084 may no longer be known as the ISEC Pride Center, but the Queer Student Union still has access to the space along with other students.
The QSU posted a statement on its Instagram Thursday morning that said the room will still serve as the “central space where we carry out our mission.” QSU has never had ownership of the space, according to the group’s statement, though it has long been the main organization to operate out of the room.
SOKY Indivisible holds ‘Shutdown Showdown’
Former U S Marine Joel Extine waves to passing cars at a protest held by SoKy Indivisible outside of U S Rep Brett Guthrie’s office on Thursday, Oct 2, 2025 Extine said in an interview, “Even as a 100% disabled veteran, I still can’t get proper care Guthrie, even as a veteran himself, won’t help out ” (Jonah Savage)
Protestors with SOKY Indivisible rallied Thursday evening along the road by Congressman Brett Guthrie’s Bowling Green Regional Office.
Organizer Denise Zielinski said the protest was planned because of the latest federal government shutdown, the first since December 2018 – January 2019, during President Trump’s first term in office. Zielinski said she believes the
Read more by Jake McMahon
Republicans were shutting down the government because the Democrats would not agree to allow for cuts to public healthcare funding.
Downtown Development Division launches Ambassador Academy
Bowling Green’s Downtown Development Division launched the Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy, a free six-month program to connect WKU students with local businesses and closeby opportunities.
The program aims to motivate college students to “serve as ambassadors for the downtown mission and culture,” Division intern Caden Lucas, a junior political science and legal studies major, said. The division launched the academy on Sept. 18, and applications closed on Thursday.
Feminist Chat
encourages dialogue on gender, culture
Read more by Brendan Culler
Downtown BGKY
Read more by Natalie Freidhof
First year MFA student Jessica Levine (right) and senior psychology and philosophy double major Kayla Kean (left) listen to Dr Marla Zubel as she speaks during her Feminist Chat in Grise Hall on Oct 2, 2025 (Cayden Duncan)
Gender Studies program coordinator Marla Zubel invited students Thursday to engage in conversations about gender, identity and culture.
Zubel said she organized the Feminist Chat to create an informal space for students to discuss gender, feminism and social issues. She also said she wanted to foster a sense of community among students interested in gender studies and help individuals explore feminist perspectives.
WKU Soccer defeats LA Tech on the road
WKU Soccer claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Louisiana Tech.
In the late-game stretch, the Hilltoppers edged out Louisiana Tech on a stroke of luck as freshman forward Mekenna Egan’s shot ricocheted off an LA Tech defender for their lone goal.
WKU Football prepares for Delaware
Read more by Coumba Cisse
Hilltoppers forward Matea Bradfield (24) dribbles down the field past Dayton Flyers’ forward Laney Smith (26) during WKU’s game against the Dayton Flyers on Aug 28, 2025 at the WKU Soccer Complex (Cayden Duncan)
Read more by Jamie Jamison
WKU Football looks to stay undefeated in conference play as they travel to Newark to take on the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens on Friday at 6 p.m.
The Hilltoppers are fresh off a close win on the road against Missouri State, 27-22. The win brought the Tops to a tie for first in Conference USA.
WKU Volleyball prepares to take on Missouri State
WKU Volleyball travels to Missouri State for the team’s first road trip of its CUSA slate.
The Hilltoppers come into the weekend off two sweeps over Jacksonville State to open conference play.
WKU was led by junior middle hitter Izzy Van De Wiele and sophomore outside hitter Alivia Skidmore. Van De Wiele led in game one with 13 kills. Skidmore led with eight kills in game two.
Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers running back George Hart III (9) lunges for a touchdown over the Nevada Wolf Pack defense during WKU’s game against the University of Nevada in Houchens-Smith Stadium on Saturday, Sept 20, 2025 (Hallie Stafford)
Read more by Austin Rice
Hilltoppers head coach Travis Hudson talks to the Western Kentucky University Lady Toppers during their game against Bradley in E A Diddle Arena on Friday, Sept 19, 2025 in Bowling Green, Ky (Summer Crawford)
Read more by Peyton Reid and Morgan Larkins
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