The Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations is engaged in research, teaching and service to promote understanding of race and ethnic relations, with a special emphasis on the causes of disparities and the contexts in which conflicts as well as shared purposes and perspectives arise; appreciation of the diverse peoples and cultures of the United States, with special emphasis on the peoples and cultures of Michigan; and more equitable and inclusive communities and institutions, especially in this region of the state and throughout Michigan.

To ensure equitable access for all, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides leadership by working collaboratively with the University community to identify and overcome institutional barriers and affirm the dignity, value, and uniqueness of each member of our community.

We are an organization created to help build a healthy lifestyle for women. We further believe that through our educational, mental, physical, and social development, we will not only culturally enhance Western Michigan University’s campus, but increase societal awareness of African-American women as well.

The purpose of the YBMSN is:
1. To facilitate the retention, development, and the academic, personal/social, and spiritual success of male students of color at Western Michigan University, with emphasis on male students of the African Diaspora.
2. To increase the number of black men attending colleges/universities by working to facilitate the academic, personal/social, and career development of minority youth in the community.
3. To develop and instill leadership abilities and social activism in our members in order to enable them to become future leaders, role models, and agents of change in their local communities and in society at large.
4.To abolish negative stereotypes of the black man and re-write the script of the black man asbeing an educated leader who, as a global citizen, cares for his family, his community, the future of his people, and the future of the world.
5. To produce on-campus programs that positively impacts the academic, social, and overall college experience of all students, as well as fosters additional learning inside and outside of the college classroom.
6.To be an inclusive support network for all collegiate men who are willing to uphold YBMSN's Male Pledge regardless of ethnicity, creed, religion, political ideology, sexual orientation and physical challenges