Kent State to close LGBTQ+, women's, multicultural centers
KENT, Ohio (WJW) — Kent State University will close several identity-based student centers on its Kent and Stark campuses this summer to comply with new state law, the university announced Monday.
Effective June 27, the Kent Campus will no longer operate its LGBTQ+ Center, Women's Center and Student Multicultural Center. The Stark Campus also will cease operations at its LGBTQ Resource Center, the University announced in a press release.
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Although the centers themselves will close, university officials said their physical spaces—including the E. Timothy Moore Center and Williamson House, home to the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS) — will remain open as general-use spaces accessible to all students. Guidelines for using these spaces are still being developed.
In addition to the closures, Kent State's LGBTQ+ Living-Learning Community will be discontinued. Other academically based Living-Learning Communities will remain in operation.
'We understand these centers and the Living-Learning Community have been powerful sources of connection, support and growth, and we acknowledge the emotional and personal impact this change may have on many members of our community,' said Eboni Pringle, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Student Life.
The move is in response to new state directives affecting diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public universities.
Read more about Ohio Senate Bill 1 here.
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Students will still have access to resources that support mental health, wellness and basic needs, the university said.
'Our mission remains the same: to foster a campus where every student feels a sense of belonging,' Pringle said.
The university also expressed appreciation for the staff and student employees affected by the changes, stating, 'The university places a high value on their contributions.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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