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Victory for Students: LGBTQ+ Resource Center Reopens at Missouri University

Victory for Students: LGBTQ+ Resource Center Reopens at Missouri University

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Amid a surge of student activism, Southeast Missouri State University reverses a decision to close the center.

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After a swift and vigorous student-led campaign, the LGBTQ+ resource center at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) will reopen and stay open, overturning an earlier decision by the university administration to close the facility due to staffing shortages and low student usage.

The outcry was led by Peyton Redinger, president of the SEMO Pride organization, who was frustrated by the lack of clear communication from the university regarding the center’s closure, Southeast Missouri CBS affiliate KFVS reports.

“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?” Redinger told the outlet.

In a bid to retain this vital resource, Redinger, along with his executive board, launched a petition to gather student opinions on the matter.

The move spurred a sizable portion of the student body to voice their concerns.

“LGBTQ students need a place to go for resources for support,” Kaedan Thomas, a freshman at the university, said.

Following the significant student outcry, the university issued a statement recognizing the strong support from the student body, faculty, and staff for the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, the center will continue to operate in its current location, with staffing to be provided by a mix of student employees and volunteers.

Reflecting on the victory, Redinger found solace in knowing the university heeds student concerns. “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,” he remarked.

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Christopher Wiggins

Christopher Wiggins is a senior national reporter for The Advocate. He has a rich career in storytelling and highlighting underrepresented voices. Growing up in a bilingual household in Germany, his German mother and U.S. Army father exposed him to diverse cultures early on, influencing his appreciation for varied perspectives and communication. His work in Washington, D.C., primarily covers the nexus of public policy, politics, law, and LGBTQ+ issues. Wiggins' reporting focuses on revealing lesser-known stories within the LGBTQ+ community. Key moments in his career include traveling with Vice President Kamala Harris and interviewing her in the West Wing about LGBTQ+ support. In addition to his national and political reporting, Wiggins represents The Advocate in the White House Press Pool and is a member of several professional journalistic organizations, including the White House Correspondents’ Association, Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and Society of Professional Journalists. His involvement in these groups highlights his commitment to ethical journalism and excellence in the field. Follow him on X/Twitter @CWNewser (https://twitter.com/CWNewser) and Threads @CWNewserDC (https://www.threads.net/@cwnewserdc).
Christopher Wiggins is a senior national reporter for The Advocate. He has a rich career in storytelling and highlighting underrepresented voices. Growing up in a bilingual household in Germany, his German mother and U.S. Army father exposed him to diverse cultures early on, influencing his appreciation for varied perspectives and communication. His work in Washington, D.C., primarily covers the nexus of public policy, politics, law, and LGBTQ+ issues. Wiggins' reporting focuses on revealing lesser-known stories within the LGBTQ+ community. Key moments in his career include traveling with Vice President Kamala Harris and interviewing her in the West Wing about LGBTQ+ support. In addition to his national and political reporting, Wiggins represents The Advocate in the White House Press Pool and is a member of several professional journalistic organizations, including the White House Correspondents’ Association, Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and Society of Professional Journalists. His involvement in these groups highlights his commitment to ethical journalism and excellence in the field. Follow him on X/Twitter @CWNewser (https://twitter.com/CWNewser) and Threads @CWNewserDC (https://www.threads.net/@cwnewserdc).