A trans pride flag painted on Kent State’s campus rock on Hilltop Drive, with the words “we must live” across it, was recently vandalized. The message was blacked out and replaced with “leave kids alone” written beneath. 

This incident is one of many aimed at the LGBTQ+ community this semester, including homophobic messages written outside Korb Hall and the Tri-Towers in September.

Tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance have escalated with the Ohio Senate passage of a bill on Wednesday that restricts transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity. During the 2024 election, President-elect Donald Trump funded ads, while campaigning, that condemn Democratic support for transgender rights.

The message “leave kids alone” reflects a growing anti-trans narrative that transgender people push gender reassignment surgery onto minors or are a threat to children. Trump echoed these claims during his presidential campaign.

The university has not yet made a statement about the vandalism, and it’s unclear who is responsible for painting the rock and when the messages were written. Students affected by the incident and seeking support can visit the Kent State Mental Health Resources and Support website.

Grace Claxon is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].