Initiatives

Activism and Black Life: A Yearlong Series

"Activism and Black Life" is a yearlong series sponsored by W&L's Africana Studies program. The series includes participants from multiple disciplines and various academic and civic institutions and explores how the struggle for freedom shapes black identity. Events include lectures, panels, roundtables, debates, and the Looking at Blackness (LAB) initiative, which features film screenings and listening sessions. The series shows the complex legacies that created our current racial reality and, by studying the intersection between then and now, equips our community to chart a productive path forward. It is supported by the Rupert H. Johnson Jr. Program in Leadership and Integrity.

Activism in the Black Imagination LAB: Dear White People Antiracism, White Activists, and Black Freedom LAB: DAMN Race and Policing LAB: Night Catches Us Sport, Race, and Civic Possibility LAB: Nina Simone Live in Concert Legislative Leverage: Democratic Processes as Activism LAB: School Daze Black Entrepreneurs as Activists: Where Does Money Fit Into Protest? LAB: Fela Kuti and Eddy Grant American Racial Injustice in the World's Imagination LAB: Ladj Ly's Les Miserables Multiethnic Collaboration in Black Freedom Struggle LAB: Plantation Lullabies Culminating Program
Affirmation of Freedom of Expression at Washington and Lee University

In December 2015, the University Committee on Inclusiveness and Campus Climate unanimously approved the University of Chicago 2015 “Statement on Freedom of Expression” and the AAC&U 2006 “Statement on Academic Freedom and Educational Responsibility” as guiding documents for how we think about freedom of expression on our campus.

University of Chicago Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression AAC&U Statement on Academic Freedom and Educational Responsibility
General Education Development

The charge of the General Education Development Committee (GEDC) will be to facilitate a conversation about changes to the Foundation and Distribution Requirements (FDR).

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Events

Each year in January, W&L celebrates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a series of events designed to commemorate his life and legacy. During this week long celebration, we feature several different events, ranging from student-led discussions on social change, to the traditional children's birthday party, to our featured MLK speaker. Our commemoration of Dr. King is also conceived of as a learning opportunity for our students and for our entire community.

Quality Enhancement Plan

Read about the Academic Immersion and Mentoring program (AIM) designed to provide a select group of students early access to campus resources during a 5-week summer program leading up to their First-Year Experience and continuing throughout their career at W&L.

Science, Society and the Arts

Science, Society, and the Arts is a multi-disciplinary conference at which Washington and Lee undergraduate and law students present original work to an audience of their peers, faculty, and staff. Everyone from the Washington and Lee community is welcome to attend any of the events!

Washington and Lee University: Education and History

In 2017-18, building on our highly impactful "History in the Public Sphere" project, we have planned a series of events, speakers, gatherings, and forums that will all contribute to the ongoing study of our history and our culture.

Winter 2019 Library Use Survey

This survey asks about usage of the Leyburn Library space and facility by students and faculty. It was designed by the University Library Committee and circulated by the Provost.