USF’s living learning communities allow students to find critical support needed to not only survive, but thrive in college. 

It’s important to protect that.

Living learning communities, also known as LLCs, are programs for resident students that allow them to live in the same residence hall based on similar majors, minors or interests.

Stonewall Suites is USF’s living learning community that allows both LGBTQ+ and ally students to “find and create an environment of awareness, respect and belonging,” according to a USF Housing & Residential webpage.

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While some students may not participate in LLCs, they can make all the difference to LGBTQ+ students.

“Giving a space to LGBTQ+ students where they can be themselves is monumental,” said Nik Lampe, an assistant professor in Mental Health Law & Policy. “Everyone wants to feel safe in their residency, because the reality is that not everyone is fully affirming or supportive of different gender identities.”

Lampe said during their time as a University of Tampa student, the school did not yet have a program for LGBTQ+ students to room together. 

With traditional housing, Lampe said they did not have friends in their housing community who they could speak to about aspects of the transgender experience.

“I had nothing in common with my roommates, I didn’t have a space where I felt comfortable to come out,” Lampe said. “You kind of have to gauge someone’s political ideology to come out. My coming out process took longer because I didn’t feel safe in my roommate situation.”

Feeling welcome in one’s dorm is so important because, for many students, this is their home away from home.

But at a time where Florida universities have changed LGBTQ+ housing options, now is a better time than ever to highlight the importance of having, maintaining and celebrating LLCs.

In February, FSU students realized nonbinary was omitted from housing applications. The option was later reinstated.

That month, UF paused their non-academic LLCs, such as the Black Cultural LLC and their LGBTQ+ one, Lavender LLC.

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These rollbacks to LGBTQ+ inclusive housing came after the Supreme Court doubled down on their banning of affirmative action for college admissions in 2023. 

Now, the ban is extended to other aspects of campus life such as housing, scholarships and graduation ceremonies. Universities that don’t comply risk losing federal funding, as Donald Trump vowed to crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

USF spokesperson Althea Johnson said there have been no recent changes to the LLC options for students.

“USF regularly evaluates programs and campus activities to ensure compliance with state law, Florida Board of Governors regulations and federal laws and policies,” Johnson said. “USF will continue to monitor the latest state and federal updates to determine any potential impacts to the university.

Since LGBTQ+ LLCs in the state are being targeted, it’s important to fight back and recognize the value of these programs.

College is hard enough as it is, with classes, internships and work. 

Rooming with strangers in itself is already so intimidating, our roommates are the first and oftentimes the last people we see when we wake up and before going to bed. 

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Especially for LGBTQ+ students, housing with someone is a vulnerable experience, one that should be treated with careful consideration.

“Our roommates see us during our intimate moments, like bringing back partners and hopping out of the shower,” Lampe said. “Having affirming people in your corner can make the dorming experience much more comfortable.”

Beyond the initial unease of being forced to room with someone who may not be accepting of your identity, erasing inclusive housing measures is just plain dangerous.

LGBTQ+ and nonbinary students should be able to openly express themselves without feeling at risk in doing so, especially when they are in their “home” setting.

USF is doing LGBTQ+ students a great service by continuing to maintain the Stonewall Suites, it’s disheartening to see other Florida universities waive under Trump’s threats.