University reopens LGBTQ+ resource center after students fought back

Southeast Missouri State University administrators have announced the school will reopen an LGBTQ+ resource center after students across campus demanded it.

The center was closed without warning due to lack of staffing and low student usage, according to the administration.

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“There wasn’t really much communication on the university’s behalf, so we were kind of like what is going on, why is this happening,” Peyton Redinger, the head of the school’s Pride group, told the local CBS station.

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“So me and my executive board set up a petition for students to voice their opinions on it and voice what they were feeling on this and how this will impact their lives.”

And students responded in force, noting that with queer rights under attack nationwide, the resource center was needed more than ever.

“LGBTQ students need a place to go for resources for support,” freshman Kaedan Thomas told the station.

“I feel like it is going to impact students mentally,” added Laci Tallo.

In a statement, the university noted that the outpouring of support demonstrated how much LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty were valued by the school community. The center will reopen and be staffed with student employees and volunteers.

“It is refreshing to know that the university is listening, that they are willing to do the things it takes to make their students feel safe on campus even if it is a minority group,” Redinger said after the announcement.