Associated Students, Inc. President Stephanie Magaña has been working since this June to have the flag raised after it was brought to her attention by Ignacio Castillo, ASI’s vice president of university affairs, that Fresno State raised the flag in recognition of Pride Month.
“We thought it would be a really great idea if we could bring it onto our campus,” she said. “We feel like it’s a great way to celebrate our students, celebrate our community. It’s kind of a demonstration that CSUB is a safe space for students.”
Magaña said ASI worked on a proposal over the summer and submitted it to the president’s cabinet for approval in September. Although the hope was to have the flag-raising on Oct. 4, she said it was delayed a few weeks, as the university needed to create a flag policy first.
“They’ve never had a proposal before for a flag-raising,” she said. “Now, if other student organizations or departments want to raise a flag, there is a policy in place for that. We know that this is a monumental moment for our campus.”
Magaña said the plan is to raise the Pride Flag every June and October for Pride Month and LGBT History Month, respectively.
“We never want any of our LGBT students to not feel represented on campus,” she said. “I hope that it shows them that whether they’re out or not, we care about them and that CSUB is a place where we want them to feel safe and heard. All students, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity, not only deserve but need a safe place and supportive environment.”
Nancy Smith, president of the student club LGBTQ+ Network, said they're happy to see that the university is showing more support of LGBTQ+ students.
“This is another step of CSUB showing that they’re working toward the campus being an inclusive space,” they said. “I’m surprised that something like this hasn’t already happened, as inclusive as I feel CSUB already is. It’s really cool that they’re taking a louder stance to support students.”
Christian Rodriguez, a recent CSUB alumnus who now works on campus as a graphic designer for Campus Programming, said the flag celebrates the progress the LGBTQ+ community has made in terms of visibility, support and recognition and is an important reminder to students, faculty and staff.
“The raising of the Pride Flag lets me know that every single time I step foot on this campus, I know that CSUB stands with me,” he said. “CSUB lets me know that I am welcome, that I am loved, respected and valued and, most importantly, a human being. I couldn’t be happier to be part of this beautiful university, a place I call home.”
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