As we bid farewell to LGBTQIA+ History Month, we look ahead to the changes that still need to be made in hopes of a better future for the LGBTQIA+ community. The LGBTQIA+ community deals with significantly higher rates of discrimination, health disparities and violence. All of these issues affect our own community.
The Illinois Valley is not immune to these issues. For example, the mayor of Peru, Ken Kolowski, recently issued a formal apology about statements he made regarding the Pistol Shrimp’s Pride Night held on June 8. Kolowski brought forth a complaint by a resident, stating that the resident refused to attend any more Pistol Shrimp baseball games if the team continued to host Pride Night.
Kolowski did not come to the defense of the LGBTQIA+ community. Instead, the mayor said in disdain, “What about BLM? You wouldn’t want them here would you?” The mayor received major backlash and issued an apology statement on Facebook claiming that he “. . .ran for this job to help people, not hurt them.” Although he apologized, statements like this from people in positions of power are unacceptable.
Prejudice towards the LGBTQIA+ community has been proven to originate from families, social circles and other environments. This October, IVCC celebrated National Coming Out Day in the Student Life Center. One student, who shared their story with me, said, “I came out when I was 12 and my mom told me she did not want any part of it. It was rough for a while, but my mom has since decided that she would rather have me in her life than lose her only child.” The coming out board contained other stories from students who have also experienced being shunned by their families. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are ostracized from their families, friend groups, and even in their own schools. It is so important that IVCC cultivates a supportive environment for those who are part of the community because it may be the only place where they can seek it out.
President Tracy Morris answered a few questions regarding recourse for students and what she would like to do to improve the climate on campus. Dr. Morris stated that the student handbook, student rights and responsibilities, and the code of conduct are in place to ensure a safe environment. She said that “if a student is having an issue where they feel their student rights, as outlined, are not being afforded, there is a complaint process that students should follow.” When asked about what she would like to do about the climate at IVCC, President Morris discussed one of her current projects of reviewing IVCC’s mission, vision, and core values. Morris said that “Once that is done, it helps us to have a shared expectation for how we treat each other.”
President Morris issued a message for the students of IVCC: “I am so glad that you are here, and you are welcome here. It is our job to create a learning environment where students can grow and reach their educational and career goals.” It is evident that President Morris values the safety and overall well-being of IVCC students.
It is crucial that every student at IVCC feels safe and comfortable on campus. Not only is it important that all students feel welcome here at IVCC, but also that they feel welcome in the Illinois Valley. Hopefully, Mayor Ken Kolowski will remember his formal apology the next time he fails to defend the LGBTQIA+ members of his community. So, farewell to LGBTQIA+ History Month and greetings to the continuing battle for LGBTQIA+ protections.