Southeast Missouri State University provided Arrow with an updated statement on Sept. 20 regarding the LGBTQ+ resource center, stating the center has reopened due to community and volunteer support.

The statement reads as follows:

The LGBTQ+ Resource Center located in the University Center recently closed due to a lack of staffing to operate the center, coupled with low student usage. The operational responsibilities of the Center were moved to the Office of Equity Initiatives. These responsibilities include educating students about campus resources, meeting with students expressing needs or concerns, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community through practices and initiatives that foster a welcoming environment.

Since the closure was announced, members of the LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance and several student organizations have asked the University to reconsider this decision and to reopen the Center. Volunteers have offered their support in the interim to staff the space when needed. This outpouring of support demonstrates the university community’s support for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff.

Consequently, the center will remain open in its present location and it will be staffed though a combination of student employee and volunteers. We are greatly appreciative of those who shared their personal experiences with the center in the past and for those who have offered to support its operation moving forward.

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For more information on the closing of the resource center, click here.