Conversations in Color: a discussion with Deidre Dumas Labat and Reynold T. Décou

The story of Tulane University would not be complete without the contributions of many important people from diverse backgrounds who have made a substantial and lasting impact on our campus. As part of an ongoing, campuswide effort to recognize those individuals who led the way in the university becoming a more inclusive, diverse and welcoming community, the Board of Tulane approved naming Willow Residences, currently designated for the street on which they sit, in honor of the first African American undergraduates to earn degrees from Newcomb and Tulane, respectively: Deidre Dumas Labat (NC ’66, G ’69) and Reynold T. Décou (A&S ’67, ’79).

As part of the dedication events, please join us for a discussion as we celebrate the desegregation legacies of Dr. Deidre Dumas Labat and Reynold T. Décou. 

Dr. Deidre Dumas Labat: 

In 1966, Dr. Labat became the first African-American undergraduate to graduate from Newcomb College. In addition to earning her Bachelor of Science in biology, she also earned a Master of Science degree in biology in 1969. Labat has had a significant career in higher education. Before her retirement, she served as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Reynold T. Décou:

Reynold T. Décou, a native of New Orleans, was the first African-American to enroll at Tulane as a full-time undergraduate student in 1963. Décou is a two-time graduate from Tulane’s School of Arts & Sciences, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1967, as well as a bachelor’s degree in earth sciences in 1979. Décou has gone on to have a successful career as a petroleum geologist that spans over forty years.

Kim Boyle, Esq., Moderator: 

Ms. Boyle practices in the areas of labor and employment, civil rights, constitutional law, commercial, tort, and general litigation. Her employment practice includes representing employers in employment related claims, such as retaliation and discrimination claims, as well as workplace harassment. Ms. Boyle also handles EEOC charges and other administrative complaints through the administrative and judicial process. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Boyle served as Judge Pro Tempore, Division I, for the Civil District Court for Orleans Parish. Kim Boyle is also a former assistant professor of law at Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans.

Registration is encouraged.