JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In 2022, the University of North Florida was recognized as one of the best universities in the Southeast for LGBTQ+ students by Campus Pride.
However, that changed in 2023 when Florida legislation banned the use of state and federal funds for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, leading to the closure of UNF’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and its LGBTQ+, Women’s, Interfaith and Intercultural centers just one year later.
“This is unjust,” said Thomas Orsini, president of the UNF Pride Club, recalling his reaction to the closures. The loss of the office left many students without a vital community resource.
“The LGBT Center provided so much not just community, but helped facilitate students who may have had things they couldn’t go to their parents about,” Orsini said.
Despite the shutdown, students have found ways to keep the spirit alive.
The UNF Pride Club, which Orsini says is the only official LGBTQ+ resource on campus, has stepped up to fill the void. As part of Student Government, the club receives funding and access to campus spaces, allowing it to grow and serve students in new ways.
“We’ve seen so much growth. We’ve been partnering with outside organizations,” Orsini said. “We’re like survivalists in a way. We’re scraping by with what we can and making do with what we can.”
The club also compiled a comprehensive list of local and online resources to support students in need.
Looking ahead, Orsini says the club plans to increase political activism and leverage its Student Government status to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.
“Definitely more political activism. We have more leverage now that we’re a part of the Student Government,” Orsini said.
