Murray State’s Pride Center no longer exists–neither does the Women’s Center or the Office of Multicultural Initiatives. All of these organizations now answer to new names.
Several Diversity, Equity and Inclusion-related organizations at Murray State faced changes in line with a nationwide sweep of DEI dismantling and revising following President Donald Trump’s executive orders.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the department “has taken action to eliminate harmful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives … throughout America’s education system.”
In response, colleges across the country have dismantled, frozen or altered DEI programs to avoid consequences for failure to comply, which could include university funding in grants being cut.
At Murray State, the Pride Center has been renamed the Oakley Student Lounge, and the Women’s Center has been renamed the Oakley Resource Center. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said they have used both of these resources for the past two years. They said they believe the changes made to these programs will have a major impact on minority students.
“I cannot lie, when I first received the email about these changes, I cried,” the student said. “These spaces are here because these students need specific support. The Pride Center has been a safe space for many students like myself seeking (a) community that understands where I come from and how my identity creates challenges in daily and college life. The names of these spaces helped call out to the students the support was aimed at and who likely needed it.”
On March 5, the Kentucky House of Representatives passed House Bill 4, which prohibits colleges from spending money on programs related to DEI initiatives. Abigail Cox, director of the Oakley Resource Center and Student Lounge, said the bill requires the University to make adjustments to a wide variety of campus components, including the organizations she oversees.
“I don’t think the names of these spaces will solely dictate their future effectiveness,” Cox said. “I believe the people in those spaces play the most important role in success, and I have the privilege of working with some of the most incredible students on this campus.”
Cox said the staffing, budget and spaces for these organizations remains unchanged, along with student involvement.
Alliance, an LGBTQIA+ student organization on campus, holds events throughout the year for its members, including the Lavender Graduation, “an LGBT welcoming graduation celebrating survival and accomplishment.”
Cox said the Lavender Graduation event will not take place this semester.
Murray State’s Office of Multicultural Initiatives has become the Office of Student Enrichment, Academic Excellence and Leadership. SG Carthell, executive director of SEAL, declined to comment on the organization’s name change.
In the past, stoles have been offered for graduating seniors involved with the Office of Multicultural Initiatives. According to the Murray State Public Relation’s Department, their office is not aware of any stoles being offered for students involved with SEAL this year.
“Our Office of Student Enrichment, Academic Excellence and Leadership, the Oakley Resource Center and Oakley Student Lounge offer important student-centered services that are available to our entire campus community,” a Murray State spokesperson said. “Murray State University, like many other higher education institutions across the country and all public universities within Kentucky, is continuing to thoughtfully navigate possible impacts enacted at the state and federal levels. As we continue to assess and adjust as needed, Murray State remains committed to the success and support of all of our students throughout their collegiate experience.”
Cox said despite recent changes, the Oakley Resource Center and Student Lounge will continue to serve students.
“The lounge, being a space managed by the center, remains a place of collaboration and engagement for students,” Cox said.
While the anonymous student said they are devastated by the effects current legislation and orders are having on DEI programs, they remain involved and hopeful for these programs’ futures.
“It will take a long time before the spirit of these spaces dissipates,” the student said. “Students continue to show up. I mourn the implications … for safe places/communities on Kentucky campuses, but the Oakley Resource Center will remain a welcoming place to all students, and the spirit of community will live on.”
