Kent State Closes Identity-Based Centers Following Passage of Ohio Senate Bill 1

KENT, OHIO — Kent State University will close its LGBTQ+ Center, Women’s Center, Student Multicultural Center, and LGBTQ Resource Center at its Stark campus on June 27 in response to Ohio Senate Bill 1, which prohibits diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public colleges. The closures come just one day before the new law takes effect.

“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, Kent State’s senior vice president for student life.

The closures also include the discontinuation of the university’s LGBTQ+ Living‑Learning Community, while academically based Living‑Learning Communities will continue within the residence hall system. The university stated that the E. Timothy Moore Center and the Williamson House, which houses the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services, will remain open for students, although guidelines for use are still being developed.

Kent State senior Faith Stephenson expressed concern about the impact of the closures on the student community. “Getting rid of those types of environments is very dangerous and damaging to our students’ want to participate in college life,” said Stephenson, who visited the centers for personal and academic support. She added, “It’s difficult to not see people who look like you.”

Nica Delgado, another student affected by the closures, shared similar concerns. “It’s devastating, especially because the multicultural center and the Women's Center and the LGBTQ Center, they were part of the reasons why I made it through college,” said Delgado.

Kent State alumnus Isabella Arbutina also voiced disappointment. “I feel like those are groups, especially as a woman, that are needed, because those are groups that might feel a lot more vulnerable,” Arbutina said.

Ohio Senate Bill 1, known as the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on March 28. The law bans DEI‑based hiring and enrollment, prohibits strikes by school faculty, imposes restrictions on how controversial topics can be taught, and requires colleges to provide civics education courses. Institutions that fail to comply risk losing state funding.

State Senator Jerry Cirino, who sponsored the bill, stated, “They are making the necessary changes not only to be in compliance with S.B. 1, but also to be in compliance with federal regulations as well.”

Kent State’s Division of Student Life affirmed its commitment to student support. Pringle stated, “The Division of Student Life remains deeply committed to fostering student success, student belonging and ensuring continued access to resources, benefits students have consistently associated with the centers.”

Joseph Bialek, who provided a statement to Cleveland 13 News on the broader discussion of LGBTQ+ rights, is a Cleveland‑area opinion writer and letter‑to‑the‑editor contributor whose work has been published in outlets nationwide since around 2000. He covers politics and current events and often offers commentary on social and public policy issues.

Reflecting his view, Bialek stated, “A homosexual person is one who is sexually attracted to others of the same sex. Except for a genetic variation of nature, they are virtually identical to their heterosexual counterparts.” He emphasized most homosexuals do not choose their orientation as a lifestyle choice and added, “Homosexual people are entitled to engage in sexual behavior consistent with their genetic makeup so long as it is between consenting adults. To deny them this right would be the same as denying heterosexuals their right to consensual sex.”

-------------

At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up‑to‑date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community‑driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.