The closure of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the shuttering of the Safe Zone Resource Center, and now, discrimination protections geared towards LGBTQ+ students have been stripped away without remorse.
Last week, The Crimson White reported the University of Alabama had silently rescinded “sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression” from the list of protected classes under its Harassment and Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination policies. And the reason given? To “reflect” the language of federal laws.
This isn’t some random coincidence — it’s an engineered strategy to completely erase any protection for LGBTQ+ individuals on campus, as well as to make their presence here feel like a punishment, not an achievement.
The University of Alabama prides itself in saying that there is no “right way” to be a student, emphasizing that every individual has a place and community on campus through connection, involvement and support.
These serve as critical building blocks for shaping the average student into a legend — to open the doors for internships, leadership positions across campus and a sense of belonging on the grounds they walk on here in Tuscaloosa. The University, however, has made it clear that this vision is only set in place for those outside of the LGBTQ+ bubble.
It makes a prospective student who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community question if they should attend The University of Alabama, even if they have long championed the spirit of it. The days spent in Bryant-Denny Stadium on a Saturday or even touring this beautiful campus could all be for nothing.
Their eyes could shift to another university in our state that still has LGBTQ+ discrimination protections in place, such as Auburn University, the University of South Alabama and the University of West Alabama. In the place “Where Legends Are Made,” belonging and connectivity are made bleak.
To be clear, this opinion is not written to sway your opinions or beliefs on the LGBTQ+ community. Your experiences, ranging from religious beliefs to familial history, are paramount and important to who you are as a beautiful creation — keep those values close to your heart.
I’ve had my fair share of discrimination and spewing of negativity here at the University of Alabama, from both members and non-members of the LGBTQ+ community. But while interpersonal dynamics will always be complex, institutional protection should never be up for debate.
It is an issue that opens a larger discussion: genuine human decency and student opportunity. Everything, ranging from discussions to forging connections, begins with respect, understanding and an open mind. How can students thrive and be prepared for their respective careers if there aren’t any protections guarding them from hostility?
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m profoundly grateful for each opportunity grasped and every connection forged on campus. But, with the rampant progression of anti-LGBTQ+ actions from the University administration, I ask this: Even when granted opportunity, will we feel safe?
The University is treading further away from its very vision — to be “the University of choice for the best and brightest students in Alabama, and all students who seek exceptional educational opportunities.”
However, the vision of an equal opportunity here at the Capstone is left unanswered — untouched by the changemakers of tomorrow, including those from the LGBTQ+ community.
The administration’s understood duty should be to offer an equal experience to each of you, despite race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Yet, despite these policy rollbacks, Alex House, a spokesperson for the University, told The Crimson White that “the University will continue to promote a welcoming environment that is free from discrimination for all members of our campus community.”
Well, dear University administration, actions truly do speak louder than words.
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