The Red House is now open after a vandalism incident on Nov. 7 closed the building. The Lexington Police Department and Public Safety are continuing to investigate the incident, according to officials.
Public Safety reported the vandalism to the Lexington Police Department on Nov. 14, seven days after the incident, according to Sgt. Jessica Burks of the LPD. She said the building is safe despite the ongoing investigation.
“This isolated incident shouldn’t prohibit students from enjoying the services and community provided by or at the Red house,” said Burks in an emailed statement to the Phi.
Some members of the Washington and Lee University community are still wary to visit the Red House. Sarah Horowitz, a professor of women, gender and sexuality studies, said she would warn any professor with an office inside the space about potential dangers of such incidents occurring again.
“Not many professors work in their offices late at night, but some might, and they need to make that decision,” said Horowitz.
The Queer Liberation Alliance, which typically meets in the Red House, has not held any meetings in the space since the vandalism was discovered. In a statement to the Phi, the president of the QLA said he hopes to hear more updates on the investigation from President Dudley.
The Red House serves an important function as a space where queer people can find acceptance and meet people with similar experiences, said Kate Grover, a visiting assistant professor of women, gender and sexuality studies. She said queer spaces are often the targets of violence by people who do not view LGBTQ+ identities as valid.
Grover said that while queer spaces like the Red House are important, institutional support for marginalized people is equally crucial. Many universities are cutting support for DEI programs, so Grover said she appreciates W&L’s continued support for LGBTQ+ students.
Jake Reeves, the assistant director of inclusion and engagement for LGBTQ+ support, said the university remains committed to supporting queer students, faculty and staff in an emailed statement to the Phi. Students can contact Reeves if they wish to access resources.