LGBTQ+ students from the College of Charleston are demanding their administration reinstate DEI resources. In January, Charleston students realized that LGBTQ+ programs on campus had been discontinued. The removal of gender accepting and acknowledging questions on housing applications received the most backlash. Resources like inclusive housing and pride centers created community and safety on campus, but now that safety is in question.
Public colleges have erased words, phrases and services related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), including any references to the acronym LGBTQ+. Based on data from the Human Rights Campaign, 489 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in 2024. The DEI ban has only intensified discriminatory bills.
To appease the Trump administration, the College of Charleston removed the PRIDE Center, the Closet Corner Program, and inclusive housing questions for students inquiring about residential space. These programs and efforts welcomed all students by giving them clothing, space and security when needed. Though Charleston has a history steeped in inequality, based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and Campus Pride’s Index, the College of Charleston was known as the most LGBTQ+ friendly campus in South Carolina. Now, Charleston students will have to look elsewhere for inclusion.
Junior Mallery Mason explained to Charleston’s News Channel 2, “It’s really insulting because part of the student experience includes all these resources, and the things that they claim they have here, and then they take it away. It’s like what? This [is] part of the reason I came here,” Mason said. “It’s a slap in the face.”
Students have emailed the administration en masse, requesting staff rethink the removal of LGBTQ+ resources, but little has been accomplished so far.
The administration has replied by email regarding gender inclusive housing.
“In developing the [housing] application, we aim to be consistent and fair in the information we collect, focusing on rooming preferences and living considerations that apply equally to all students. Living with others can be challenging, and [we] understand why questions about safety are important to students. Our Residence Life staff play an active role in supporting students and addressing concerns when uncomfortable situations arise.”
Despite the response, no changes have been made to address gender inclusive housing.
Student organizations are continuing to post on social media to educate peers on these changes while working hard to grow the LGBTQ+ and allied community.
The American Civil Liberties Union at CofC posted: “This decision is dangerous. It erases queer and trans students from a process that directly affects our safety, dignity and ability to live without fear. Inclusive housing questions aren’t ‘extra.’” They are a harm-reduction tool. Removing them puts students at risk.” They continued, “Silence is not neutrality. It’s complicated.”