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(Note: This article has been updated from an earlier version to correct numerous facts.)
Concordia University, a Lutheran college in Oregon, on Friday announced that it would formally recognize an LGBTQ+ student group whose charter it had challenged, Willamette Week reported.
Concordia had battled with the Queer Straight Alliance for some time, according to former group members, by forcing the club to change its name and canceling on-campus events. In June, an internal review found that Concordia was in violation of its own anti-discrimination policy in its treatment of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group. The university subsequently changed its club charter requirement policies, and when camps officials told the Queer Straight Alliance that its application would be approved only if it dropped a phrase about its mission being to "raise awareness and change perception of Christian folks," the club opted to shut down in December. Without recognition as a university club, the alliance could no longer hold meetings or events on campus.
University President Charles Schlimpert announced Friday that in addition to approving the group without requiring it to change the wording, Concordia would create a “safe space program” for LGBTQ+ students; invite the club’s members to meet with the university president; facilitate trainings in support of LGBTQ+ students for faculty, staff and administration; convene community and church leaders to discuss LGBTQ+ issues; and reopen the discussion related to the university’s club and events policy.
“We remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we support all students, particularly people from groups who have historically been marginalized,” the statement said.
The Queer Straight Alliance expressed some skepticism about the university’s decision to reinstate the group. In a Friday statement, the club said they hadn't been contacted by Concordia about the reversal, and that the university’s current club policies restrict the group in operating as it intends. Despite the university’s resistance, the Queer Straight Alliance is popular on campus, voted “best club” by students two years in a row.
“While we are hopeful and willing to collaborate with the university to create a safer, more inclusive campus (when we are actually invited to the table), we want to be thoughtful about our next actions and ensure we don’t forget those who have already been negatively impacted by the university’s actions,” the statement said.
