On the first day back from winter break, UMSL’s Office of Student Involvement unveiled the newly renovated Louie’s Closet. Located in the Millennium Student Center, Louie’s Closet serves as both a safe space on campus and a donation closet, providing free clothes to students who need them.
The freshly renovated space now features shelves lined with novels by LGBTQ+ authors and my own mural, “Reach for the stars,” painted digitally on Procreate. The mural features the St. Louis Arch, a diverse lineup of characters and a purple background that subtly symbolizes Lavender Graduations. Originally, Louie’s Closet was designated as a safe space only. But recent Trump administration DEI restrictions meant the OSI had to get creative with the space’s name and functionality.
While the concept of safe spaces at colleges and high schools continues to spark nationwide debate, it’s important to clarify precisely what they are. The idea of the safe space is not modern; it arose in the 1960s alongside feminist and LGBTQ+ social movements. These movements advocated for spaces where women and LGBTQ+ individuals could gather to share struggles and feel supported and understood, free from ridicule and harassment. Today, these spaces are still deemed necessary, especially in learning institutions, where LGBTQ+ students are likely to face hostile environments and homophobic peers at some point in their education journeys.
The concept of safe spaces also has roots in clinical psychology. In 1954, psychologist Carl Rogers advocated creating safe spaces in therapy so clients feel secure enough to open up about traumas. Safe spaces have become a common practice in therapy and counseling centers. UMSL’s Health, Counseling, and Disability Services, located in the MSC, also has its own safe space for student use.
Arguments against safe spaces in colleges and high schools argue that students should not be coddled and challenge themselves to live with the harsh realities of our world. However, as a tired college student myself, I can appreciate having a space where I could take a break from studying and find a moment to connect with my peers.
Ultimately, I appreciate that Louie’s Closet can provide students who may be coming from vulnerable communities with a sense of safety and a little peace among peers who understand or face similar struggles in their daily lives. Safe spaces like Louie’s Closet are meant to be inclusive for any student who needs a break from academic and social pressures. And it is here to stay.
