Queer Student Association Struggles After Closure of Campus Resource Center

SLCC shuttered its Gender and Sexuality Student Resource Center, leaving the QSA without a meeting space.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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After a state-required audit determined Salt Lake Community College's Gender and Sexuality Student Resource Center (GSSRC) was out of compliance, the college closed the center in December, leaving the Queer Student Association (QSA) without a dedicated meeting place. The QSA has since struggled to hold meetings and attract students, with the group now relying on Discord to connect.

Why it matters

The closure of the GSSRC is part of a broader trend of legislation and actions that restrict diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on college campuses, which can have serious consequences for vulnerable LGBTQ+ students. Without access to dedicated support spaces, LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

The details

The GSSRC, which served as the meeting space for the QSA, was repurposed as the Bruin Paws Activity Lounge after the closure. QSA support student Kai Lyon said the group has struggled to hold meetings and attract students without a permanent location, leading them to move primarily to Discord. Lyon expressed frustration at the lack of notice and support from the college during the closure process.

  • The GSSRC was closed in December 2025 after a state-required audit.
  • The QSA was given 120 days to address the compliance issue, but was only notified in the final 30 days.

The players

Kai Lyon

A support student for the Queer Student Association at Salt Lake Community College.

Salt Lake Community College

The college that closed its Gender and Sexuality Student Resource Center, leaving the QSA without a meeting space.

Queer Student Association

A student organization at Salt Lake Community College that has struggled to hold meetings and attract students since the closure of the GSSRC.

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What they’re saying

“We moved to Discord, mostly because [of] the difficulty of reserving rooms every week. Now we really don't get anyone [to attend] … even on Discord they don't show up.”

— Kai Lyon, QSA support student (globeslcc.com)

“GSSRC was the backbone of the QSA. They found out they had 120 days to fix this [compliance issue], and in the last 30 [days] they told us about it. That made me go, 'What are you doing? What was going on for those two months?'”

— Kai Lyon, QSA support student (globeslcc.com)

What’s next

The QSA is exploring options to find a new dedicated meeting space on campus, but the group's future remains uncertain without the support of the former GSSRC.

The takeaway

The closure of the Gender and Sexuality Student Resource Center at Salt Lake Community College is a troubling example of how legislation and actions restricting diversity and inclusion efforts can negatively impact vulnerable LGBTQ+ students. Without access to dedicated support spaces, these students face increased risks to their mental health and well-being.