Video by Tiffany Butler and Brittany Moore

In light of the recent shooting in Orlando, safety and support of the LGBT community is in question. From pride events across the nation to Jacksonville’s very own Jasmyn, an LGBT youth services center, security is being increased.

At UNF, there isn’t as much concern about safety, but UPD officers are stopping by the LGBT Resource Center to check-in and make sure everyone is okay.

“We don’t have any reason to feel like anyone is more at risk for being at UNF,” said the center’s Assistant Director Kaitlin Legg.

In addition to addressing safety concerns, UNF is working to make sure students are able to seek council and respond to the shooting in constructive ways. There are counsellors at the UNF Counseling Center available to speak with any student, allowing them to talk about what’s going on with a licensed health-care professional.

“If anyone is feeling lost or don’t know what to do, or they’re feeling discriminated against for any reason, that’s what this center is for,” said Legg.

Legg said there’s been a great outpouring of support and it will be further needed in the days to come.

In the greater Jacksonville area, the Duval County School Board will be met to debate if our school districts should continue supporting and protecting transgender students.

“We’ve been supporting efforts to amend the Human Rights Ordinance, which protects Jacksonville citizens against discrimination. Right now, it does not include LGBT people,” said Legg.

She encouraged students to be looking-out for votes or debates in city council on the issue.  

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