In response to the recent alleged hate crime incidents, Women’s Transit has temporarily adjusted its policy to also allow members of the GLBTQ community to use its services.

Demere Woolway, assistant director of the Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center, said it is wonderful for Women’s Transit to help out in this situation.

“Obviously, the hate crimes have caused a lot of fear and danger among the community,” she said. “I hope we can provide the resources to make students feel safe.” Women’s Transit volunteer Liz Poteet, a senior women’s studies and sociology major, said everyone is pulling together to support those who need help. She said it is great how quickly actions are being taken to respond to this crisis.

“I think it’s amazing for Women’s Transit to step up and help out all of these people,” she said.

Women’s Transit coordinator Mary Anderson said this protocol adjustment was necessary because of the circumstances. Because the mission of Women’s Transit is to prevent the occurrence of violence, the temporary change made sense.

“It seemed to match our mission to offer rides to the GLBTQ community,” she said.

Women’s Transit’s rule of providing rides to mostly individuals still apply, she said. This is because people who are alone at night have a higher risk of being assaulted, just like the hate crime victims. Groups are typically safer.

Anderson said she believes the alleged hate crime attacks were not random. It will be up to the administration and the GLBTQ community on how to deal with future potential acts of violence. If it becomes a necessity, Women’s Transit may have to keep this new protocol.

“We may have to continue with the change,” she said.

Senior sociology major Katemarie Gottardi, a student assistant for Women’s Transit, said the GLBTQ community has always been a strong supporter of Women’s Transit. She said because the safety of the community is threatened, this is the right thing to do. For this policy change to become a permanent one, Women’s Transit will have to see if any problems come up, such as people abusing the service.

“I just think that because a lot of our members are involved in the GBLTA, we should extend our services to them,” Gottardi said.