Student Organizations within the Diversity Center
At Butler University, we have a wide array of opportunities for our students to get involved. There are over 200 student organizations on campus, including several cultural and social awareness organizations that aim to provide intersectional, educational, and social programming across various identity groups. Cultural and social awareness organizations play a major and active role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on our campus that support Butler University students becoming global citizens.
Please follow them on Instagram to learn about their programming and events.
A4A strives to foster an environment where autistic students can be themselves, get access to needed resources, and vocalize shared experiences. We desire to dismantle ableism at Butler and beyond. In addition, this club partners with BU Autistic Students on Campus (ASOC), a student-led discussion group, specifically for autistic students on Butler’s campus. @buadvocates4autism
Asian & Pacific Islander Alliance (APIA) is a student body that seeks to empower Asian Americans and educate on Asian issues. We strive to provide a sense of community for Asian & Pacific Islander students on campus and promote understanding of the vast array of Asian & Pacific Islander cultures. Our most popular events are Meet the Asian Faculty, Lunar New Year, Boba Night, and Asian Game Night. You can stay up to date with us by following @apia_bu on Instagram.
The mission of the Black Student Union is to serve its members by creating a support system for Black students at Butler University. BSU aims to celebrate Black cultures, communities, and history by raising consciousness, educating students, and programming. It addresses concerns on behalf of the membership of Black students and people of color on campus, within the country, and abroad through consciousness raising, social activism and community service. We do this through hosting programming for social, cultural and education purposes, including annual traditions such as Unity Ball, Black Graduation, and our Kwanzaa Celebration. @butleru_bsu
Bulldogs for Universal Design (BUD) is an ability-based diversity organization that aims to educate students and faculty about disabilities and provide a safe space for disabled students. We also advocate for accessibility of all kinds around campus. We have made some huge steps as an organization such as renovating many of the curb cuts, getting some new push buttons for academic buildings, and more! Some of our events throughout the year include an annual Halloween party, game nights, and many educational events about disability history and etiquette. BUD welcomes both disabled students and allies, so come see us in the DC or follow us on Instagram @budatbutler.
LGBTQIA+ Alliance is a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to come and find community. We focus on cultivating a safe, engaging environment to educate and communicate with each other, get involved in activism, learn new skills, and have fun! Alliance activities include discussion circles, game nights, field trips, drag shows, dances, craft nights, fundraising, and more. Our office is located in the Diversity Center in the basement of Atherton Union, with office hours every day of the academic week. All are welcome to join regardless of sexuality or gender. @butleralliance
Diversity Program Council (DPC) is a student-led programming council that strives to create an inclusive and intersectional environment for students on campus. DPC is built on the principles of justice and equity, and we support and amplify diverse student voices on campus. Together, we believe we can work towards a more inclusive campus. @butler_dpc
The Gender Equity Movement (GEM) is Butler’s gender inclusivity organization. The name GEM is a homage to the first black woman to graduate from Butler University, Gertrude Amelia Mahorney. The Gender Equity Movement focuses on awareness and advocacy for everyone on the gender spectrum. GEM strives to be a safe space for all. @gematbutler
Hillel at Butler University provides space on campus for students to practice, experience and learn more about the Jewish faith and culture. We are a group of Jewish students inspired to maintain and celebrate our Jewish religion and culture, and to teach others in the Butler community about our history, faith, and observances. We celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays, participate in tikkun olam (repair of the world) through community service, and build community through a variety of social events! Hillel provides an open, friendly, diverse, and pluralistic environment for Jews and non-Jews to participate in Jewish life. @buhillel
International Club encourages and promotes social and intellectual interchange and mutual understanding and appreciation of cultures among Butler students of all nationalities, while simultaneously aiding the integration of Butler international students into a new culture, location, and university. @bu_intlclub
Latino Student Union is dedicated to developing, educating, empowering, and uniting Latino students with the purpose of fostering a community and safe space on Butler’s campus. As an organization our goal is to create programming that embraces our cultural background while also educating ourselves and others about the different cultures within our community. Our events range from Carne Asada, an event for all members to meet and hang out, to our highly anticipated Baile Night in which we all come together to enjoy Latin music. @butlerlsu
The Muslim Student Association is an organization that serves to provide a safe space for Muslim students on campus as well as educate non-Muslim students about the religion. The MSA acts externally, aiming to clear any misconceptions about Islam and educating campus about life as a Muslim American, and internally, seeking to create a strong community for Muslim students and providing religious services. Our mission is to create cooperation and understanding in the Butler Community. Some of our most popular events include Ask-a-Muslim, our annual bonfire, and our annual Ramadan Iftaar and Fast-a-thon. @msabutler
South Asian Student Association aims to empower, educate, and provide opportunities for everyone of all backgrounds to come enjoy and learn about South Asian culture and traditions. Furthermore, we strive to ensure that the voices of South Asian students are heard throughout the campus community by amplifying South Asian perspectives and culture. We serve the greater Butler and Indianapolis community and the interests of South Asian Organizations. Some of our most popular events are Stroll Down South Asian Street; Diwali; Chai, Cookies, and Canvas; and Holi. @butlersasa
Students for Justice in Palestine’s work is centered on freedom, justice, and equality for the Palestinian people, who have been living without basic rights under Israeli military occupation and colonialism since 1948. We believe that all struggles for freedom, justice, and equality are interconnected and that we must embody the principles and ideals we envision for a just society. SJP stands against homophobia, misogyny, racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, classism, colonialism, ableism, and bigotry and discrimination of any form. @sjpbutler_
Students of Color Allied in Healthcare is an organization dedicated to advocating and representing students of color interested in healthcare. However, as an organization, we accept everyone who wants to join. Our mission is to elevate people of color in healthcare. We strive to address the complexities of race, nationality, culture, and ethnicity as it pertains to future healthcare providers of color as well as placing emphasis on being advocates for patients of color. We also strive to empower and uphold the voices of students of color in healthcare by promoting diversity and inclusion and providing a safe and unified atmosphere. @socah_butleru