Information Hub
Beyond its original purpose as a gathering place for women, the Women's Building also became home to student media organizations that shaped campus conversation. StudLife, WashU's independent student newspaper, documented campus events and remains dedicated to giving voice to students and their experiences.3 By providing a home to StudLife, the Women's Building extended its function from a space solely for women to a hub for dialogue and information, supporting the broader student community in sharing stories and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard, such as stories from lower-income communities, discussions of terrorism and nationalism, and dialogue surrounding students of color and affirmative action.4
Similarly, the university radio station, KWUR, was also based in the Women's Building and shares a similar mission of free expression and dissemination of truth.5 Housing KWUR in the Women's Building reflected the building's role in enabling members of underrepresented communities to engage with the public and spark campus conversation. Although both student organizations have since relocated to different buildings, in both cases the Women's Building facilitated participation and dialogue, demonstrating that spaces dedicated to communication are necessary to foster inclusion and open-mindedness on campus.
3 Student Life. "About." Student Life, Washington University in St. Louis, https://www.studlife.com/about
4 “Student Life | September 17, 2003.” Student Life, Washington University in St. Louis, 17 Sept. 2003, https://www.studlife.com/media/pdf/2003-2004/03-09-17.pdf
5 Chanis, Becky. "Rocking Out to KWUR." Student Life, 22 Oct. 2010, https://www.studlife.com/scene/2010/10/22/rocking-out-to-kwu