LGBTQ+ Rights For Students At Charleston Southern University
LGBTQ+ Rights For Students At Charleston Southern University
Why this petition matters
I applied to this school to get my education and degree. To for fill my dreams and aspirations. It seemed like a good school for education, and a good atmosphere to be around.
My professors told me on the first day of class that this university is a good place. That everyone is accepted, and that they’re a diverse school. A review on the CSU page says, “The atmosphere here at CSU is unlike any other place I’ve ever been, it feels like one big family.” I wish I could be able to tell you all that just like Josh Bridges. Although, some others may disagree I feel everything, but that at CSU.
Charleston Southern University makes me feel unaccepted, and not worthy. This school is supposed to be a loving and friendly university, that has diversity and equity. People from all ethnicities and religions attended this school. Yet, why is it that since I am not Christian, I feel judged. Since I don’t believe in the same things as CSU that I feel out of place, and in the wrong.
Some students are a part of the lgbtq+ community or support the lgbtq+ community. As being a member of the lgbtq+ community and supporter I feel judged. That I cannot speak about my own beliefs and opinions. This school makes me feel that I must hide myself in order to get my education. I shouldn’t have to hide who I am or feel as so the need to.
If this school is diverse and everyone here is accepted regardless of their beliefs, then why am I being judged? I should be able to express myself just like any other student. I am here to get my education not to be judged and must hide myself. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, yet I feel as if I cannot talk about my opinions. “This exposure to faculty, staff and students from diverse backgrounds with unique experiences and perspectives enriches education and personal development in the classroom.”-CSU website. Charleston Southern clearly states that it is a diverse school and there are people from all different diverse backgrounds. So, why is the lgbtq+ being frowned upon at this school? I am here to get my education just like everyone else here at CSU.
The CSU website also claims, “To support CSU’s mission, the Office of Diversity welcomes your ideas.” If this statement is true, then you won’t mind me writing this essay and speaking about my opinions and ideas. The CSU website also states “The Office of Diversity is designed to promote a positive and supportive campus climate for all faculty, staff and students.” It states this campus is a positive and supportive campus for all. Which is by far not true at all and angers me to read. It angers me to read, because of how untrue that statement is. I came to this school expecting so much more and I am very disappointed in what is happening here at CSU.
In August of 2013 a student who was working as an RA lost his federal funded job. Ryan Houlihan states that he lost his position because he started posting on social media about how he identified as gay. Yes, this was back in 2013 which I know was a long time ago, but things still feel the same. Even after this petition I feel like I must hide my identity, and sexuality. In order to keep my scholarships and grants for myself, and to remain a student resident at CSU. I should not have to feel this way and must hide who I am to get my education. This school believes having a gay Christian as an RA is a liability to the school, and makes it look bad. Which in my opinion not protecting lgbtq+ students at Charleston Southern University is a liability. Especially when the university’s website states all are welcome and that this is a diverse school. Charleston Southern University is one of 139 campuses documented as “not safe” for LGBTQ students. You can find this information at Campuspride.org.
If this is such a safe, diverse, and loving university why is it documented not safe to all students? All people possess full dignity and are worthy of respect. – Matthew
This is also mentioned on the Charleston Southern website. Yet, this school does not listen to this. I would like to know if I am the only one who thinks this about Charleston Southern University. If you feel that Charleston Southern University discriminates upon the LGBTQ+ community sign this petition. Or if you would like to see a change in Charleston Southern University. If you believe this school discriminates upon anything not mention please let me know, and sign the petition!
The image address is listed down below.