Kent State University Closing LGBT, Women’s and Multicultural Centers

Kent State University Closing LGBT, Women’s and Multicultural Centers

This is being done in order to comply with new DEI related policies in Ohio.

WKYC News reports:

Kent State University to close LGBTQ+, women’s and multicultural centers after passing of SB 1

With SB1, which prohibits diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Ohio public colleges, set to take effect later this month, Kent State University has announced that several of its identity-based centers will be closing their doors soon.

In a release sent out on Monday, the university says it will no longer operate its LGBTQ+ Center, Women’s Center and Student Multicultural Center on the Kent Campus effective on June 27, one day before SB1 becomes law.

“While the centers themselves will close, the named spaces of the E. Timothy Moore Center and the Williamson House, home of the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS), will remain. All the spaces will continue to be available for all students, with guidelines being developed,” the release explained.

Kent State says its “long-standing” LGBTQ+ Living-Learning Community will also be discontinued “in alignment with new state directives.” However, all other university academically based Living-Learning Communities will continue within KSU’s residence hall system.

In addition, KSU’s Stark Campus also will no longer operate its LGBTQ Resource Center, but the university says the space “will continue to be available as a general resource room intended to serve all students. ”

“While change is difficult, our mission remains the same: to foster a campus where every student feels a sense of belonging, has space to learn about themselves and others, and can build the community they desire to live, learn and grow in,” said Dr. Eboni Pringle, Kent State’s senior vice president for student life. “We will continue to work with our students, staff, faculty and alumni to identify additional ways to support our students. ”

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