A rainbow flag at the LGBTQ Resource Center was ripped out of its place this morning, and some center members are calling it an act of discrimination.
Resource Center Program Coordinator Alma Rosa Silva-Bañuelos said she arrived at the Center this morning at 8:30 and noticed the rainbow flag that once waved in front of the resource center to direct students to its location was missing. She said she then noticed the bottom part of the rope that held the flag had been cut, and that the top part of the rope and the clips that held the flag were missing, along with the flag itself. She said she then called UNMPD and filed a police report.
Silva-Bañuelos said the possibility for discrimination becomes greater as more people are made aware of the Center’s existence.
“We opened our doors Aug. 27, and had over 300 people from UNM students, staff, faculty and community members come to support the center,” she said. “But one thing we do realize is that as our visibility grows, there’s always the possibility of increased discrimination.”
Silva-Bañuelos said although she doesn’t believe the events are necessarily related; she thinks it’s noteworthy that this act of vandalism coincides with ASUNM approving a resolution to allow a unisex bathroom in the SUB.
“It’s unfortunate that the day the article comes out that ASUNM has approved universal restrooms in the SUB is the same day that our flag is taken down,” she said. “Obviously I can’t speculate but I do see the irony that they both happened on the same day.”
(To read the story about the ASUNM meeting, click here.)
Resource Center Program Assistant Jeffrey Waldo said the act of vandalism demonstrates the need for places like the LGBTQRC.
“It reiterates the fact that some people out there are haters,” he said.
Waldo said he was shocked to hear the flag had been taken because he said the UNM community has been supportive of the center overall.
“People have been accepting us with open arms,” he said. “We don’t get many people criticizing us or anything. … It’s been pretty good reception.”
Silva-Bañuelos said Center representatives are available to talk with students confused or concerned about the vandalism. She said the Center will host a ceremony at the beginning of next semester to raise a new flag.
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“This strengthens our community, in a sense,” she said. “We feel that we are a vital part of the success for students on campus and we really do hope and ask for acceptance and tolerance as the other ethnic centers and Women’s Resource Center get.”
Andrew Beale also contributed to this report.
