The University of Texas at Arlington has closed its LGBTQ+ Program due to a new state law banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The program provided mental health resources, support groups, and community events for LGBTQ+ students. Sen. Brandon Creighton ®, who wrote the law, said in a statement, “The legislation makes it clear that student-led organizations are not impacted in any way. But it is also clear that taxpayer funds should not be spent on conferring special benefits based on race, color, ethnicity or sexual orientation.”
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The law prohibits public colleges and universities from having DEI offices and programs run by school officials that are specific to race or gender, which led to the shut down of many departments and divisions.
LGBTQ advocates say the ban impacts such students because they often rely on resource centers for a sense of belonging on campus, which keeps them from dropping out and lowers the risks of self harm.
“The LGBTQ+ Program is committed to ensuring sexual minority students are seen, heard, and recognized at UT Arlington,” according to a now removed page on UTA’s website.
The mission of pride peers was to “create a courageous place” for students to explore and understand sexual orientation and gender identity, according to the site.
Finding a sense of belonging is key because they know they have a place to turn to for support, said Jonah DeChants, a senior research scientist at the Trevor Project.
When Lonergran toured UTD’s campus for the first time, he saw “outward love” and “students being openly queer.” Many offices had rainbow flags or other indicators that LGBTQ people are welcome, he recalled.
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