UNL student speaks out against the loss of a LGBTQ+ student learning community

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – For many first-year college students, their first year can be filled with fear and anxiety as they find themselves in a new place, longing for community.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has several ‘learning communities’ to help new students thrive socially and academically.

Students can apply for a learning community after completing a housing application. 

Once accepted, there is a $95.00 fee to cover events, after which they can live with other students in the community of their choice.

The PRISM learning community at UNL aims to support LGBTQA+ first-year students.

Students in the group are assigned a peer mentor, like Oliver Engelke.

“It’s really important that we keep this program around because LGBTQA+ people are at the most at risk,” said Engelke. “We are three times more likely to commit suicide, especially if you’re going to college out of state and away from family.”

Engelke received community mentoring as a freshman and now mentors more than 12 students, helping them transition from high school to college.

“I help them with being queer and trans across the university and how to navigate some of those issues, making sure they’re not having issues with discrimination through classes or just in general,” he said.

Engelke emphasized that having a mentor helps students feel they can get through any difficulties in their first year.

A spokesperson for the university released the following statement to Channel 8:

“University of Nebraska–Lincoln student learning communities are reviewed each year to ensure they align with academic programs and departments, student interests, and faculty and staff support. This review considers factors such as enrollment trends and integration with academic programs. As part of this year’s review, PRISM is one of the learning communities identified as having a downward trend in student participation. Students in these programs will continue to participate through the spring semester as planned. Starting in the fall, these learning communities will no longer be offered. The university continues to support a variety of learning communities and remains committed to providing students with opportunities that help them connect, grow, and thrive on campus.”

According to the UCLA Williams Institute, people in the LGBTQ+ community report three times lower mental health outcomes than non LGBTQA+ people.

To address this, PRISM would organize events such as career fair prep and resume reviews and provide emotional support, including a scheduled time to discuss challenges and present resources.

Engelke says that after learning of the cut from his supervisor, his questions about why the decision was made were still unanswered.

“I’ve received nothing from the university for feedback,” he said.

He says the group’s name was removed from student life pamphlets and from the website.

PRISM students will be allowed to complete the academic year before it is dissolved.

The university still has LGBTQ+ student clubs, but Engelke hopes PRISM can continue serving those living on campus as well.

He says he will continue to advocate for it to carry on, saying, “because cutting this program will decrease the number of LGBTQ+  people and safe spaces we have.”