KU Promotes Diversity Through All-Inclusive Establishment Initiative

All Inclusive logo.

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – A new diversity-focused campaign is in the works on campus. The "Kutztown All-Inclusive Establishment" initiative is a window sticker campaign founded by the Kutztown University LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Women's Center to promote visible acceptance of diversity throughout Kutztown. The campaign is designed to help KU students and community members feel safe navigating around Kutztown and easily identify safe spaces.

One of the goals of the initiative is to communicate with local businesses to help them gain an understanding of what it means to be an "all-inclusive establishment," so they can support diverse patrons and employees. Another key objective is to get local businesses to display a "Kutztown All-Inclusive Establishment" sticker in their windows. Senior social work student, Maya Evans, is currently working with a campus graphic designer to develop the window decal.

Evans has been working diligently to push the campaign since the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.

"For my last year working on my undergraduate degree at Kutztown University, I knew I wanted to do something special that would support lasting change in the community," Evans said. "I consider myself a true Kutztown 'Townie' -- I've lived in Kutztown, worked in Kutztown and grew up in Kutztown. As a social worker, I value social justice and the dignity and worth of every person. Connecting the town through a visible campaign to support diverse students and community members seemed like a natural project to take on."

To be considered an all-inclusive establishment, the business does not discriminate against any patron, guest or employee based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, color, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status or other human identity. The establishment actively welcomes diversity and promotes inclusivity of all.

The Kutztown All-Inclusive Establishment campaign is supported by the Kutztown Community Partnership Board, Kutztown University President Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson and Jerry Schearer, senior associate dean of students and chief diversity officer. The initiative was presented to the Kutztown Borough Council and received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Local Kutztown businesses that have signed onto the campaign thus far include: Firefly Bookstore, Eagle Point Management, K'Town Pub BBQ & Taphouse, City Cuts Barbershop, Sorrelli Jewelry, Kelchner Cleaner's and Pop's Malt Shop.

For more information, please contact the Women’s Center at womenscenter@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4655 or the LGBTQ+ Resource Center at lgbtqresourcecenter@kutztown.edu or 484-646-4111.