Background
The Women Center for Gender Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice has played a pivotal role in fostering community, promoting gender equality, and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals on campus. In the context of a rapidly changing political landscape that poses significant threats to the safety and civil liberties of these communities, the center has served as a crucial advocate for gender equality and reproductive justice.

Our center provides a welcoming space for students to study, relax, and connect, particularly benefiting those who commute and may find campus life isolating. Beyond being a physical space, we offer essential resources, including free menstrual products and sexual health supplies. Programs such as Sistah Circle facilitate important discussions and insights, helping students build meaningful connections and support networks. Additionally, we host workshops, guest speakers, and professional development events while providing vital information regarding lactation rooms and all-gender restrooms.

Recent Developments
This semester, during a reorganization of campus facilities, we were unexpectedly informed that our space would be repurposed as the Immigrant Success Center. This decision, communicated only two days before the start of the semester, left us unprepared and deeply concerned about the future of our center and its programs. Currently, there is no public announcement from John Jay administration or on the John Jay website. 

During the October Town Hall meeting, we voiced our concerns regarding the closure of the Women Center. However, we were met with further disappointment when Vice President Daniel Matos stated that the center was not meeting performance expectations and that there was insufficient demand for its services. While we respect and recognize the significant contributions of the Immigrant Success Center, we also believe that dedicated support for women and LGBTQ+ individuals is essential.

Our Request
As a united community, we are advocating for the following:

Reopening of the Women Center for Gender Justice: We call for the reinstatement of a dedicated space to serve women and LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in light of recent incidents that have raised concerns about safety on campus.
Expansion of Services and Resources: We seek to restore and enhance the resources previously available at the center, including more events for Sistah Circle and the establishment of a mentorship program to support female students throughout their academic journeys.
Advocacy for Women’s Rights: In this challenging political climate, it is crucial that we maintain a strong voice advocating for the rights and safety of women on campus.
To demonstrate the need for these initiatives, we aim to gather over 1,000 signatures in support of our cause. We invite all students, faculty, and allies to join us in advocating for a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.