We are so excited to announce that the LGBTQ+ Resource Center is very close to being open! Even now, thanks to the multitude of people who helped make this space a possibility through their donations, we have bean bags, chairs, couches, bookshelves filled with books, artwork to display and, of course, our amazing pride flags. The first time I walked in, I immediately felt welcome, even though no one was there and the space wasn’t quite complete.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Committee – chaired by Kennedy Cooper – has been hard at work to make this space a reality. The committee has been working for several years to take this space from a resolution to a resource center. The first resolution in support of an LGBTQ+ Resource Center was passed unanimously during 2015, and the same body also passed a resolution during 2016 that summarized a student survey illustrating statistical support for the center. Last semester, the current body addressed the resource center through Resolution 121.005 – A Resolution of Continued Support of Establishing a Gender and Sexual Diversity Center. Since this resolution passed, the body has moved pretty quickly to gather materials and resources to establish the resource center. We will be announcing a grand opening date in the near future, and I cannot wait for this space to provide knowledge, resources and community to the people who need it most.