In the aftermath of a tense week for many Americans, members of SWC’s LGBT community called for the creation of an LGBT center on campus.
As envisioned, the center would create a permanent safe space for members of the LGBT community.
At a meeting hosted by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), members of the ASO and representatives of the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club (SAGA) argued that an LGBT center is a necessity. EDI Director Dr. Guadalupe Corona said the college is committed to creating a more positive, inclusive environment on campus and that she would take the idea to the governing board. Members of the ASO immediately supported the proposal.
Campus safety for the LGBT community arose during one of a series of talks hosted by EDI called “Creating Safe Spaces for Campus Dialogues for All.”
SAGA representatives voiced concerns about problems in the relationship among staff, campus police and the LGBT community, saying they sometimes felt police turned a blind eye to them.
ASO Senator Roy Castillo said this perception could be addressed with more training for officers on safe zones and diversity.
SAGA Secretary Romina Serrano, 21, a psychology major, said there was sometimes a negative atmosphere surrounding the club’s cubicle in the Student Center.
“Something we have noticed in the club is anti-safe space sentiment,” she said. “We understand that everybody is entitled to their opinion, we’re not trying to say otherwise, but some sensitivity would go a long way.”
ASO Social Vice President Yassmen Obeid urged SAGA members to speak out and express concerns to ASO leaders.
“Whenever this happens, please come to us,” she said. “Come to me. We’re here next to you to protect you guys. Don’t stay silent because if you stay silent, nothing is going to change.”
Corona asked students to vocalize specific things at Southwestern that needed to be changed.
“I hear you loud and clear,” she said.
SAGA advisor Shannon Pagano, a psychology instructor, said one pressing problem was the lack of a place where members of the LGBT community could meet. Sometimes the meeting rooms are overbooked and people came in and disrupt club meetings, she said.
SAGA President Dan Cordero, 22, an LGBT studies major, said the double bookings were a significant problem.
“Our meetings are important and emotional and shouldn’t be interrupted,” he said.
Pagano said the club had tried to meet outdoors, but some members felt unsafe.
“We, as adults on campus, need to make this a huge priority right now,” she said. “They need to be protected.”
Obeid agreed.
“This is not safe for anyone,” she said.
Cordero said the college needs a stronger police presence at night and more reliable police escorts. Some students at the meeting said they were not aware an escort service was available.
ASO President Mona Dibas said she wanted to start working actively with SAGA.
“I am not a member of the community, but I want to be an ally,” she said.
Dibas said the pursuit of a safe space for all was also going to take shape in the form of an upcoming mediation room, where anyone would be welcome.
Dibas said the ASO has started a movement to create a supportive atmosphere on campus. It will be represented by a teal colored pin symbolizing prosperity and peace with the word “unify” on it, she said, and would start next semester.
Representatives from the ASO and EDI said they would aid SAGA in their upcoming projects with the hope of increasing transgender awareness, including a Transgender Remembrance ceremony and a clothing drive for non-gender conforming people.