Some LGBTQ+ students at UMKC are worried about their safety and expressed concerns about their programs being cut after one of President Donald Trump’s latest executive orders.
Sam Justice, a biology and psychology major, is the president of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance Council on campus. They felt that the terminology used by Trump adds to the risk of hate speech and violence.
“I fear that this is only the first step into eradicating diversity and inclusion spaces not only in educational establishments, but in social spaces around America,” said Justice. “Every side eye and disgusted facial expression can easily turn into something deadly due to the validation this executive order gives to those who want to harm us.”
Justice also expressed fear that the executive order could impact UMKC directly. The university has been affected by the Republican legislature before, having closed their Diversity and Inclusion offices in October 2024.
“We are concerned that the LGBTQIA+ office of programs and services will be closed or severely repressed, along with the banning of our six LGBTQIA+ student organizations,” they said. “The protections we had in place are in such a fragile state.”
“I fear the executive order will start a never-ending series of attacks, and that UMKC will continue to bend to the Republican legislature,” said Vice President of Trans+ Myles Hardy. “It was a shattering moment where I realized that even UMKC won’t defend itself unless we as students, as people, as community, step up to do so.”
The order, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government’” federally recognizes only two genders, male and female. It also rescinds parts of Title IX that protects the trans population from discrimination.
“This unhealthy road is paved by an ongoing and purposeful attack against the ordinary and longstanding use and understanding of biological and scientific terms,” said Trump.
Justice emphasized that while SAGA is worried about the future, they will keep hosting events that promote their core values of safety, solidarity and support.
“Even though fear is in our hearts for the future, love, determination, and resilience holds an even greater space. No matter what President Trump does to the LGBTQIA+ community, our students and staff will never disappear, never crack, and never back down,” said Justice. “We have always been here and always will be.”
