Additionally, the Safe Space program allows the community to learn how to create a safe environment on campus. The center works to create a welcoming climate through advocacy, education, and community building. In a Wall Street Journal survey, corporate recruiters ranked graduates of Penn State #1 in terms of their ability to reach for success when hired. Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) are student clubs, just like Drama Club or Key Club, that allow students with a common interest to get together and have discussions or activities about that interest. The policy says students will be treated according to their "biological sex" when it comes to names . Edited by Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. In other words, inclusiveness is a grab-bag, based on choices that colleges make based on their own needs and student population. UMD offers all types of programming and panels to support their LGBTQA community. The counseling center provides confidential assistance. Jaclyn Diaz. Start the Survey . There are almost a dozen student groups catering to LGBTQIA+ and the challenges they face. There are gender-inclusive housing options available, social and educational spaces for meetings, and LGBTQ+ specialists at the Counseling Center. Lehigh has also frequently been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the US, in addition to the most welcoming. The school is named after Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the United States.Though the school has a special emphasis on students questioning their gender identity or . The center connects with the local community groups to provide enrichment opportunities for its members. 1. UW-Eau Claire Blugolds have launched meaningful careers upon graduation for a century. The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center collaborates with various campus partners to provide support to the LGBTQ+ community. The GGC provides support to the LGBTQ+ community through specialized advising, training, lectures, workshops, and celebratory advocacy. Tufts University is comprised of ten schools across four Boston campuses and another in the French Alps. The LGBT Center provides a space for those exploring their gender identity. The Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (GRSC) at Macalester College provides programming for its LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. The Queer Student Resources (QSR) office creates spaces for students of all genders and sexualities to feel safe. Their mission is to foster personal and academic growth for those students who identify, and those who are exploring their gender identity. In addition to the Campus Pride Index rating scale, BestColleges has included its own ranking methodology that emphasizes college affordability and important academic quality metrics, including admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate, and accreditation. So, this leaves both students, schools, and parents with the underlying realization that LGBTQ+ education has little to no involvement in most classrooms. Whether through regular campus events, housing and safe spaces, or training opportunities, there is robust support available. Services provided by the center range from educational programming to counseling and health promotion resources. The LGBTQ Center at Montclair State University provides educational and engagement opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies on campus. Off-campus community groups also create strong partnerships for the campus community. 4 Best Scholarships for LGBTQ Students Scholarships are a type of financial aid that don't need to be paid back, which means they can make a substantial difference in your ability to afford. The center of the campus is known as Red Square a location that includes landmarks like a statue of George Washington and the Broken Obelisk. Lehigh has established SafeZones throughout the campus, where staff, students and faculty are trained to professionally handle gender diversity issues. There are colleges in every state that provide notable LGBTQ+ support services. in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. In addition to the Campus Pride Index rating scale, BestColleges has included its own ranking methodology and the following factors to produce this list: Is your school on this list? Known for one of the nations best campus dining halls, Tufts is also the alma mater of queer icon Tracy Chapman. THe WVU LGBTQ+ Commission works with the center to monitor institutional procedures to ensure protection. Debbi Johnson-Rais, Ed.D., is the director of Florida Atlantic University's Scholars Program, an initiative that provides support and programming for high-achieving students, particularly those in medicine. When she started going through . State laws and school district policies in many places also protect transgender students from discrimination. Rights of Transgender, Genderqueer, & Gender-Nonconforming Students. For LGBTQ students, attending a school with an inclusive curriculum is related to less-hostile school experiences and increased feelings of connectedness to the school community. University of Oregon, located in Eugene, OR, is one of the top LGBTQIA+ campuses in Oregon. Lower rates of having been bullied were found among both middle school (58%) and high school (44%) students who described their school as LGBTQ-affirming compared to middle school (69%) and high school (54%) students who did not. Depending on the individual and her/his/their circumstances and environment, the number and degree of challenges will differ. It has the Gender Identity Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center (GIESOPRC), which is dedicated to the education, empowerment and engagement for LGBTQ+ students. These institutions rank among the best in their efforts to support and provide academic, financial, and social resources for LGBTQ+ students. They gain a broader understanding of how health, family difficulties and LGBTQ issues play out across an individuals life span. Multiple residence halls provide gender-inclusive housing and student activities coordinated by Guilford College Pride. Find out which schools made our list for best colleges for LGBTQ+ students in each state. Get the BestColleges ranking seal. Several events are organized each year through the Pride Alliance, but special interest groups, such as WashU Athlete Ally, oSTEM, Transcending Gender, and WashU Ace & Aro offer various options. Some consider Indiana University Bloomington to be a Public Ivy school. They created an open, supportive campus focused on ending racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia. Macalester College ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) supports their LGBT students through their established LGBTQ+ Culture Center, a program administered by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs. Other sources of support include identity-affirming care, emergency funds for urgent needs, and housing. MAC shows its LGBT campus pride by offering gender inclusive housing for students identifying as LGBT. 3 Nearly one-third (29%) of LGB youth had attempted suicide at least once in the prior year compared to 6% of heterosexual youth. The Counseling and Human Development office offers a safe and welcoming space for individuals to seek help with issues of gender identity and sexuality confidentially. The center provides holistic and transformative opportunities for student, faculty, and staff members. Various signature programs include Pride Week, Lavender Graduation, Glamour and Fame Pageant, and Transgender Day of Remembrance. GLSEN's "Back-To-School-Guide for Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments" includes steps you can take right now to make your classroom or school a more inclusive and safer space for LGBT students. UPenns LGBT Center was the first of its kind and has operated as a social hub for 35 years. They offer a LGBT health certificate, which teaches healthcare students the knowledge to successfully treat LGBT patients. Kenyon College ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. . The GSRCs website offers easy access to many resources for students determining their true gender identity. It also hosts speakers, film series, receptions, and other social gatherings. Other initiatives include workshops, leadership programs, and student organizations. Pursue Professional Development. A girls high school basketball team in Vermont is receiving national headlines after refusing to play against a team with a transgender player in their state tournament game. In September 2016, the Michigan State Board of Education (SBE) approved its Statement and Guidance on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Students. The Galerstein Gender Center (GGC) has been part of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion since 1996. His work has been published in the Journal Angelique Geehan founded Interchange, a consulting group offering anti-oppression support. However, some schools have made advances to provide targeted support for trans and nonbinary students, LGBTQ+ students, and LGBTQ+ students of color. UW-Eau Claire has a Gender & Sexuality Resource Center dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive campus for all students. UNM has several active student and community organizations that serve the LGBT+ community, and the Queer Student Alliance provides students with educational and social activities throughout the year. Tufts University is a research university that was established in 1852. The university offers gender inclusive restrooms and locker rooms. The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students Increased visibility of LGBTQ+ students on campuses has increased the need for support networks. The school works hard to provide resources for their trans and gender non-conforming community. The University of Pittsburgh offers the LGBTQ+ community a comprehensive database for navigating the extensive resources provided. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Equity Center serves all LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff at the University of Maryland, College Park. There are a number of characteristics to look for on a college campus that supports LGBTQ+ students. The latest national and state data show a mental health crisis as a . San Diego State University's LGBTQ+ resources are housed in The Pride Center, a location that provides a safe and inclusive environment for individuals to meet and learn. LGBT students can study International Affairs, Finance, Engineering, Architecture, Theology, the Social and Natural Sciences, among other majors. NAU also provides gender-inclusive housing to allow for transgender and gender-questioning students to experience a safe alternative to gender binary housing. It has since grown to provide support, learning and research opportunities, employment, and leadership development for LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ Student Center hosts a number of student organizations for its diverse populations. This high school in New York City was the first high school in the world designed for LGBTQ+ students when it opened its doors in 1985.. The center, founded in 1999, supports both the academic and social needs of the community and its allies. The office connects individuals to external non-profit advocacy in the greater D.C. area. Her work focuses on training healthcare pro Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, writer, and editor. The Queer Professionals Network allows students to connect with faculty, staff, and alumni, and various identity collectives create opportunities for cross-campus dialogue. Indiana University, Purdue University, and Rutgers University have the next largest total populations, with comprehensive support available for LGBTQ+ students. The program connects community members to campus and local resources for support. Washington University offers a great deal of resources for LGBTQIA+ students and allies, from special interest organizations, retreats, leadership opportunities and various online resources. Students benefit when they can see people who they can relate to in their school and in the curriculum they . University of Michigan, Ann ArborAnn Arbor, Mich.Campus Pride Index LGBTQ-Friendly Rating: 5 out of 5 StarsGender Identity/Expression Score: 5 out of 5 Stars. Open since 1982, the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania was created as a response to homophobic incidents occurring on campus. Students have the ability to show their LGBTQ+ classmates they are welcome and safe within campus halls. Their programming involves social, academic, and advocacy opportunities, as well as health promotion and financial support. Support includes LGBTQIA+ advising, housing, and academic residency programs through Triangle House, a library with specialized resources, and a Partnerships in Pride mentoring program. The Prism Center has been serving the LGBTQ+ population at the University of Vermont since 1999 and is a place for students to build their leadership skills, connect to the community and advocate for equity and inclusion. Teacher Asks Court to Restore Suit on Trans Student Pronouns. They are the director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the Trans Policy Clearinghouse coordinator for Campus Pride. Washington State University, located in Pullman, WA, is one of the top 31 LGBT friendly universities. The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) proudly demonstrates its campus pride by offering The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center (LGBT Center) to its entire student body. Genny Beemyn is a leading expert on the experiences of trans people in the United States, particularly the lives of trans students, and on the development of trans-inclusive college policies and practices. Vanderbilt University ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. Open since 1982, the LGBTQ+ Center at the University of Pennsylvania was created as a response to homophobic incidents occurring on campus. It serves the entire UMass community and provides cultural and educational programming, LGBTQIA ally training, a library, information and support. The All Gender Community housing is a model community where students of all genders are welcome, and the GSRC Qmmunity Connections creates a space for members of the community to make connections. The staff is trained in intersectional social justice issues, trans healthcare and creating a safe place for survivors of interpersonal violence. Online learning opportunities also allow involvement with easier access. The Resource Centers signature initiatives include the UndocuQueer conference to highlight the intersection of undocumented immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. Education and training continuously change as the needs of LGBT individuals are better understood. One of Tufts Universitys earliest benefactors was none other than P.T. UMass Amherst, located in Amherst, MA, is the original and largest university of the five-campus university system and has been ranked as one of the best campuses in the country for LGBT students by Campus Pride. Macalester College was founded in 1874 and, to this day, only offers undergraduate four-year degree programs. Their mission is to proactively foster academic (and personal) success by building a campus that understands and appreciates LGBT students, faculty and alumni issues. Up until the 1970s, incoming freshman wore dinks little brown hats and participated the Pajama Parade. It has a campus Pride Center. WVU ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. The university has a number of active student organizations, housing and diverse choice academic programs. The Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities focuses on educational and social programs and consultation on policy for members of the LGBTQ+ campus community. 1. The Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion created the Gender & Sexuality Resource Office to provide a safe space to voice concerns and share ideas related to issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. According to the Human Rights Campaign's analysis of the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31% of LGBTQ+ youth, 43% of transgender youth, and 40% of questioning youth have been bullied at school, compared to 16% of their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Policies and locations are drafted and organized into one Ithaca College Statement. His work has been published in the Journal Angelique Geehan founded Interchange, a consulting group offering anti-oppression support. The public school that Mrs. Bradshaw's son attends is one of many throughout the country that allow students to socially transition change their name, pronouns, or gender expression without. K-State ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. College is best described as a journey with a destination in mind, but there's no GPS and you're blindfolded behind the wheel. Courses focus on all the emerging LGBT subcultures and identities from a big picture, and science and philosophy behind LGBT identities, literature, laws, and healthcare. The University of Louisville recognized a lack of competent healthcare for the unique needs of the LGBT community. It is also recognized as one of the top-ranked schools that generate Fulbright Scholarship beneficiaries. The program support includes health and wellness initiatives, crisis response, and academic and social support groups. Lavender Graduation is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ graduates and their allies. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. This happens through consultations with center staff, Safe Zone training, and conferences. San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA, is one of the best schools for LGBT students. Shane Windmeyer is a leading author on LGBTQ+ campus issues, national leader in LGBTQ+ civil rights, and a champion for LGBTQ+ issues on college campuses. Here are the 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Universities For 2021 1 University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Graduation Rate: 94% Students at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business have access to several conferences that support LGBTQ students, such as Reaching Out's Annual LGBT MBA conference and the Out for Undergraduate Business Conference. He is co-founder and executive director of Campus Pride. Supportive educators. Is your school on this list? They host a InQueery Symposium which features a speaker and student presentations related to LGBTQ+. Connecticut College ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. UPenns SafeZones program is an exemplary model used by other LGBT schools. University of Louisville, located in Louisville, KY, has a Health Services Center that focuses on the promotion of quality healthcare for the LGBT community and create an inclusive environment for students in health sciences. Intentional gender neutral language, or explicit non-discrimination policies, create penalties for hate speech or discrimination, whether students are abusing other students, or faculty abuse their power in the classroom. Nov. 4, 2022, at 5:18 p.m. OnlineSchools.org. Find out how the University of Texas at Dallas creates a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. Enlarge this image. OStem UMD promotes participation and the development of LGBTQA communities in STEM. THE LGBTQ Center maintains a library of resources and historical artifacts related to key moments in the history of the community. The center provides opportunities for learning, leadership, and connection to the community. The center works closely with other campus identity centers to achieve this goal. The organization's projects and initiatives are concentrated in five core values: social justice, youth voice and action, empowerment, positive change, and diversity. They create a network and opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ campus community. There are many ways for students to get involved at the GSRC, with volunteer or service-learning opportunities. They have a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Student Services working to improve the campus environment for all students. Additional support includes access to specialized legal services, health initiatives, and professional and academic development with an LGBT+ focus. What does it take to be one of the Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students? We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Ready, Set, Respect! The center offers social activities such as Wednesday Wine Downs, LBGTeas, open houses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and Safe Space training. The center staff provides referrals for campus resources such as counseling, the Kearney S.A.F.E. Some of Tufts Universitys programs are affiliated with the nearby schools of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. They also include mental health concerns, questions about gender identity, safety concerns due to discrimination, and a lack of institutional protection. The TReC meets one on one with students to help them navigate gender identity struggles within the community. UPenns library, which began in 1750, has grown to over 6 million books and a budget just about $50 million. Penn State is considered one of the most LGBT friendly colleges as it includes all-gender restrooms and gender inclusive housing. diverse students. It exists to develop, support, and give "voice and action" in building future LGBTQ+ and ally student leaders. The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire is located in Eau Claire, WI, and has received a 5 star rating by the Campus Pride Index as the best school in Wisconsin for LGBTQIA+ students. Augsburg University, located in Minneapolis, MN, was named one of Top 30 LGBTQ friendly campus by Campus Pride, with a 5 star rating. Its belief is that support for the LGBTQ+ community requires intentional support for all historically excluded communities. Image Credit: RobinOlimb / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images, 2023 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company. Students learn about the development of LGBTQ identity formation and the coming out process. SDSU creates and strengthens an inclusive and affirming space and environment for persons of all sexual and gender identities and their allies. Title IX for employee or student harassment of transgender students when there is notice of harassment, followed by deliberate indifference and a failure to respond appropriately.10 If a complaint is filed alleging discrimination or harassment of a transgender student, school officials should work closely with the district's attorney. Despite the recent legalization of gay marriage, the LGBT youth of America still face unwanted discrimination in and out of school. Student academic and social organizations provide connections on campus, as do the LGBTQI Life programs. A Vermont Christian high school forfeited a girls basketball game because the opposing team had a transgender player, the head of school said. Indiana University Bloomingtons ethos is to promote a campus of diversity and tolerance. 3 In 2014, young gay and bisexual In addition to harassment in schools, many LGBTQ+ students experience family and peer rejection, bullying, and isolation. Guilford College's Diversity and Inclusion office provides a number of support services for members of the LGBTQ+ community. You have the right to express your gender, and it is unlawful for your peers or teachers to harass or treat you differently because of your gender. It also hosts speakers, film series, receptions, and other social gatherings. The QRC encourages building relationships and support systems to embolden every individual to have a positive experience, become a responsible member of the community, and grow as an individual. The school offers more than 1,000 various types of student organizations. $3,250 to $12,000 (INR 2.6 Lakhs to INR 9.9 Lakhs) Colin Higgins Courage Award. Reuters/Stephane Mahe. It warns that "the spread of . Pennsylvania State University was established in 1855 as a land-grant school known as the Farmers High School of Pennsylvania. In partnership with Campus Pride, BestColleges has put together a list of LGBTQ+-friendly colleges, highlighting the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students in several states. The GGC Equity Excellence program provides a certificate of commitment to participants from the university community upon completion of various academic and social events, book clubs, and lectures. Reviewed by Angelique Geehan Updated December 15, 2022 Learn more about our editorial process The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center, part of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, serves the LGBTQ+ community through social events, lecture series, advocacy for a discrimination-free environment, and various training opportunities. The city with the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals per population was San Francisco. Theres no one, simple way of defining what makes for LGBT friendly colleges, but there are some guidelines that can give an indication of their level of welcoming. PSU ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. A Florida-based Christian school sent out an email informing parents that LGBTQ-identifying students "will be asked to leave the school immediately." According to the email obtained by NBC . In partnership with Campus Pride, BestColleges presents this list of the most LGBTQ+ friendly colleges in each state. The Training Outreach Program promotes institutional equity by educating campus partners on issues facing the community. The center not only provides a supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff on campus, but also serves as a resource for training and involvement. On Instagram, alum Gabi Antuna shared a screenshot from the 2021-2022 student handbook about the gender policy. It serves to foster a safe campus environment and affirm members of its community.