Politics | February 19th, 2025

Trump’s Web Ban on LGBTQ+ Content Raises Concerns Among College Students

By: Jordan Mongo

President Donald Trump’s administration has begun removing LGBTQ+ and gender ideology related content from federal websites, sparking significant backlash. This action is part of a larger attempt to remove materials associated with “gender ideology,” which has serious consequences for college students who rely on these resources for information and support. 

Federal Websites Purged 

On January 31, federal agencies were ordered to take LGBTQ+ and gender inclusivity-related content off their websites. Many resources, particularly those utilized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor STIs among transgender people, were removed because of this decision. The State Department and the National Archives also complied by eliminating publications and pages promoting gender equality. These adjustments were approved by President Trump, who emphasized a departure from what he refers to as “woke” culture.  

Impact on College Students 

Concerns regarding the mental health and general wellbeing of LGBTQ+ college students have been raised by the elimination of these tools. According to research, LGBTQ+ students experience more mental health issues than their cisgender and straight counterparts. These students had greater rates of substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts, and academic disengagement, according to a report from the Proud & Thriving Project. 

For LGBTQ+ students to receive information and assistance, having access to internet resources is essential. Many students are now without crucial resources for support and community connections due to the recent removal of federal websites. 

Student Perspectives 

Third-year mechanical engineering student Bryan Rozier voiced his worries about the web ban’s possible effects on mental health. 

“If Trump were to ban websites involving the LGBTQ+ and gender ideology, fellow college students may be prone to more mental health-related issues,” Rosier said. “College may be the first time for many gay people to genuinely learn who they are and who they are.” “I think it’s critical to safeguard these areas and data since they may help educate others or possibly save lives”.  

The wider academic influence was emphasized by David Thomas, a third-year student studying general health science.  

“I believe that removing websites with gender queer ideology is removing valuable resources for people, especially college students who do research,” Thomas said. “It totally discredits entire majors, such as women’s studies and gender studies. “I think it sends a message that the government does not properly or fully support queer people,” Thomas adds, “and that can be very discouraging when we are in college, and you are working so hard and spending all of this money to be apart.” “When someone explicitly expresses their disapproval of your identity and actions, it can be disheartening.”  

Expert Analysis 

Experts in mental health stress the negative consequences of this kind of silencing. School of Journalism and Graphic Communication alumnus and mental health communications specialist Jared Melhado called the administration’s actions “really unfortunate.” Because the administration is making a concreted effort to stifle and censor certain topics, he pointed out that denying access to LGBTQ+ websites “affects most of the students’ mental health.” Students’ mental health can readily deteriorate, and it can have a big impact on their overall expression and grades.  

Melhado also emphasized the ways in which those groups have struggled for their rights and desires.  

“Many of our college students identify as queer and belong to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Melhado. “It compels individuals to present themselves differently than they otherwise would.” “We’re preventing people from visiting the websites where they’re meant to find inspiration or even learn more about specific topics in their community.” 

Broader Implications 

The administration is pursuing a broader agenda that includes LGBTQ+ rights, equality, and inclusion (DEI) measures. Executive directives have been issued to eliminate critical race theory from the school curriculum and to end DEI activities. Others argue that these actions amount to a regression of social justice and civil rights successes.  

For college students who depend on these resources for information and support, the Trump administration’s removal of LGBTQ+ content from federal websites has major consequences. LGBTQ+ kids’ academic performance and mental health continue to be major issues while the discussion goes on. 

“For many queer individuals, college may be the first time they’re truly able to find themselves and discover who they are.“ — Bryan Rosier, third-year mechanical engineering student.