Western Washington University is designating an entire floor for Black students. Called the “Black Affinity Housing program”, it will take up the fourth floor of Alma Clark Glass Hall. “The program will explore and celebrate the diversity of Black and African American people and culture, with historical and contemporary context” explains the program’s website.

The University is the latest academic college implementing the controversial program that is literally segregating student housing based on race. Stanford and Cornell have also adopted race exclusive housing.

Fox News reports American University based in Washington, D.C. announced it would offer the Black Affinity Housing earlier this year after the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

Western Washington University’s website also says of the program, “students residing in the program help foster a warm and vibrant community supporting social, personal and academic success.”

The website continues, “Black Affinity Housing residents, representing all diverse identities, pride themselves on fostering a sense of belonging for all residents by creating a safe environment for open, honest, and sometimes challenging dialogue.”

In April, the Western Washington University hosted a webinar on the housing program, claiming the space gives students “the opportunity to live in a shared space…with others who have a shared identity, specifically a marginalized identity.”

The University also said the Black student organizations of the school and Black applicants want the housing program and have defended the concept as “not breaking ground on something new.”