The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners convened on November 4, 2024, to discuss various topics, with a significant focus on the presence and support of the LGBTQ+ student club at Beaufort County Community College. The meeting featured Colonel Kathy Simpson, chair of the college's board of trustees, who addressed concerns raised by Commissioner Richardson regarding the club's activities and its implications for the college.

Colonel Simpson began by affirming the college's commitment to comply with Title IX, which protects gender identity and sexual orientation as classes under federal law. She emphasized that the LGBTQ+ club serves as a vital support group for students, providing a safe space for those facing bullying and other challenges. Simpson stated that disallowing the club would not only violate legal obligations but also detract from the college's mission to foster a vibrant educational environment.

In her remarks, Simpson highlighted the importance of the club in promoting mental health and well-being among its members, noting that it offers support for issues such as bullying and family acceptance. She reiterated that the college cannot discriminate against any student group and must uphold the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

Following Simpson's statement, Commissioner Richardson expressed his disagreement with the college's stance. He argued that Title IX does not require the college to actively support or promote the LGBTQ+ club, framing the issue as a matter of public property use and taxpayer interests. Richardson criticized the college's decision to allow the club, suggesting it sends a misleading message to students about acceptable lifestyles.

In response, college representatives clarified that the LGBTQ+ club is an extracurricular organization and does not need to be directly tied to academic courses. They pointed out that various disciplines, including psychology and sociology, address LGBTQ+ issues, thus providing an educational context for the club's existence.

The discussion underscored the ongoing tension between legal obligations to protect student rights and differing opinions on the appropriateness of supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives within educational institutions. The meeting concluded without a formal resolution, leaving the future of the LGBTQ+ club and its role at the college open for further debate.