New student-run Pride center opening at University of Utah

Jul 25, 2024, 5:30 PM | Updated: 5:55 pm

The Block U at the center of campus, after Pride Week had completed on April 5, 2022. (KSL NewsRadio file photo)

(KSL NewsRadio file photo)

Senior Reporter

SALT LAKE CITY — After the University of Utah closed the LGBTQ Resource Center on campus earlier this year, a group of students decided to put together their own Student Pride Center.

Ever since the new anti-DEI laws went into place across the state, the university closed several offices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now, students are taking matters into their own hands.

“We want that resource to remain. We don’t want to lose all that has been built through the LGBTQ+ Resource Center,” said chemical engineering student Ien Zielinski.

Zielinski is leading a team of volunteers to work on creating a Student Pride Center. The center is not funded or endorsed by the University of Utah, according to an Instagram post from the center.

“If I’m the last person who ever has to experience any sort of discrimination, that is my goal,” Zielinski said.

Although they have not yet been able to replace the work of professionals in the resource center completely, Zielinski is working with other clubs in STEM and business to make this happen.

“Even if this administration, even if the government, even if whoever it is says you don’t belong here… I want to show that you don’t have to wait for those people,” Zielinski shared.

Students are hoping to have the new Pride Center ready to go by the first week of classes. According to Zielinski, one of the first events planned will be a dinner in November.

Students are also looking for volunteers to help organize events and provide resources to others.