TITLE
Recommendation to approve a proclamation recognizing the LGBT Resource Center at California State University, Long Beach for the
2nd Annual Lavender Graduation.
DISCUSSION
The LGBT Resource Center at California State University, Long Beach was established in 1989 as a result of student activism and faculty/staff collaboration. The LGBT student organization lobbied the administration for a safe space in which to connect, hold social events, raise political consciousness, and study between classes. During her one-year term as Acting President of the university, Dr. June Cooper's decision to grant students a physical location for the resource center distinguished CSULB as one of the first California State Universities to host an LGBT Resource Center on campus. In recent years, the LGBT Resource Center has seen a resurgence of new student activists and dedication to creating a voice for the LGBT students on campus. They have developed compelling events, workshops and speakers panels to create a new level of consciousness on the college campus. One such event being the Lavender Graduation held in May.
The purpose of Lavender Graduation at CSULB is to provide a visible sense of community for LGBT students on campus, create opportunities for student involvement, improve retention rates, and communicate the university's commitment to all forms of diversity. Many LGBT .students struggle during their college years as they come to terms with their identities, come out to others, and learn to develop meaningful relationships. Lavender Graduation acknowledges these struggles and celebrates both the academic and developmental successes of the graduates. The first Lavender Graduation was celebrated in 1995 at the University of Michigan and is now in its second year at CSULB. This year's celebration will be held on May 10, 2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
None.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tonia Reyes Ura...
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