Resolution Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Chico State Pride: Celebrating Half a Century of LGBTQ+ Leadership, Advocacy, and Inclusion

WHEREAS, Chico State Pride was founded in 1974 as the Gay People’s Union, and officially recognized by the AS Board of Directors on January 5^th, 1975, becoming a beacon of advocacy, support, and leadership for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and allies at California State University, Chico, and has continued to operate uninterrupted for 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Chico State Pride is recognized as the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ+ student organization in California and one of the oldest such organizations in the United States, making it a historic institution within the movement for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility; and

WHEREAS, For five decades, Chico State Pride has provided a vital space for LGBTQ+ students to find community, organize events, engage in advocacy, and promote awareness of LGBTQ+ issues within the campus and local community; and

WHEREAS, Chico State Pride has been instrumental in fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity at Chico State, advocating for policies and practices that protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, and encouraging dialogue on important issues such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and social justice; and

WHEREAS, The organization’s dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ students has contributed to significant progress toward equality and acceptance at Chico State and in higher education as a whole, inspiring future generations to carry on this critical work; and

WHEREAS, The 50th Anniversary of Chico State Pride offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress made and recommit to advancing LGBTQ+ rights, ensuring that the university remains a welcoming and affirming space for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Associated Students and its leadership honor Chico State Pride for its fifty years of outstanding service to the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing its pivotal role in creating a campus culture that embraces diversity and equality; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be entered into the official records of the Associated Students as well as with Meriam Library for historical preservation, and that the contributions of Chico State Pride and its members, past and present, be celebrated as a lasting legacy of advocacy and leadership that has shaped Chico State’s commitment to inclusivity.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Associated Students distribute this resolution to the University President, Provost, Vice President of Student Affairs, Chief Diversity Officer, Chair of the Academic Senate, University Communications, Student Life & Leadership, and widely across campus to ensure its recognition and celebration throughout the university community.