Georgia Southern University Students, Staffers, Protest After LGBTQ+ Resources Cut

Georgia Southern University students protested the suspension of an LGBTQ+ inclusion training program, Safe Space. Many faculty members joined hunters of students in a sit-down.

LGBTQ+ resources on pause

Hundreds of students and members of Georgia Southern University gathered at the Russell Union to make a stand following the pausing of Safe Space training. Additionally, students expressed concerns over resources that were taken off the website. The information taken was about therapy groups, medical treatments for transgender students, and training for staffers. 

Students and supporters expressed their concerns in a letter

Three weeks before a sit-down, the students and supporters, including some of the members of the campus security, wrote a letter warning that resources were removed without explanation. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Ellen Murphy, a grad student, organized the sit-down protest.

Removal of the flags 

The students also warned that LGBTQ+ flags and other symbols were removed promptly from the university bookstore and that drag queen events were no longer permitted on campus. The letter accused GSU President Kyle Marrero of ordering these changes. 

Politics on campus 

Speaking to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia Southern administrator Dominique A. Quarles said that Safe Space was put on pause because the state banned diversity programs. The university is reportedly working on non-mandatory programs. Quarles also shared that gender-affirming care information on the website was not accurate.

Restricting right

The student expressed that these actions showed that the university is embracing anti-LGBTQ+ policies and, therefore, giving a discrimination platform to those who do not support the community. President Kyle Marrero said he was powerless after policy updates by the Board of Regents.

The decisions from last July 

Last July, the University System of Georgia (USG) changed its policy concerning freedom of expression and academic freedom. According to Marrero, giving diversity statements or offering training is now forbidden. Safe Space was forced to be paused because of the new handbook. 

Why now and not in 2023?

Despite the policy changes dating back to July 1, 2023, they reached the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses in April 2024. Why the students and staffers weren’t notified in 2023 remains unexplained. It is also unclear why all the resources, nearly 112,000 GSU website pages, are related, with the links leading to the university’s inclusive excellence statement.

Safe Space acted as a training service

Now on pause, Safe Space provided a training program for the counseling center. It offered workshops that allowed people to explore their roles and practice inclusivity. One of the students at the sit-down said that it showed that the community was more than just a number of letters.

Some students went to Safe Space for years

Another student saw the same counselor for three years. They believe that the removal will damage the university. Those who attended the sit-down demanded an apology and all resources to be back in place. 

Students supported each other

During the sit-down, students had signs asking for visibility, not only accessibility, and accusing the administration of complying with the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. They shared that the sit-in was a peaceful way to show support to the community. 

Many feel betrayed

Some students commented they thought the university’s actions were a betrayal, adding that they felt safe and understood on the campus, but they changed overnight. It leaves them vulnerable, with many wondering how it will affect their further education. 

What’s next?

The university was clear about understanding students’ needs and training, such as Safe Space. However, it remains uncertain what will happen next, especially since there are protests across campuses regarding the Middle East conflict. 

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