LGBTQ+ Sex Ed in Classrooms. diverse students. For decades, colleges and universities have been at the vanguard of culture, whether that meant protecting artistic expression or giving young people a forum to voice their political views. The Pride Center offers access to resources for students, parents, faculty, guardians and Lehigh Universitys alumni. Center staff are available for consultations to provide support and guidance to the LGBTQ+ community. Known for one of the nations best campus dining halls, Tufts is also the alma mater of queer icon Tracy Chapman. The Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) at Macalester College provides programming for its LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. The Center provides regular programming throughout the year, but also a Queer Students of Color Conference, and various affinity groups. LGBTQ+ youth activists who have overcome different hardships and struggles. This was a foreshadowing of Princeton Universitys egalitarian ethos. The city with the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals per population was San Francisco. The program support includes health and wellness initiatives, crisis response, and academic and social support groups. The LBGTQ+ Center at West Virginia University connects members of the LGBTQ+ community with on campus resources and training, as well as to state and national resources. University of Maryland, located in College Park, MD, is a LGBT friendly college. Inclusive curriculum benefits all students by promoting diversity and Various student organizations provide opportunities for participation in social justice and other activities. Resources. When a student sees a SafeZone sign on campus, it identifies a safe place for LGBT students to talk about gender identity concerns with faculty committed and trained to support diversity and inclusion. Other resources include an African-American Resource Center, religious organizations and various cultural clubs. In a survey of 180,000 undergraduate and graduate students in 2018, the Association of American Universities found that 17% of students identified as LGBTQ+. The center, founded in 1999, supports both the academic and social needs of the community and its allies. School alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, Rhodes and Fulbright Scholars and Nobel laureates. by Debbi Johnson-Rais, Ed.D. Policies and locations are drafted and organized into one Ithaca College Statement. The Queer Mentoring and Peer Program provides peer support as students navigate the college experience alongside sexual orientation and identity. They have a Queer Resource Center (QRT) offering resources and programming to support all students at PSU. Ithaca College provides a vibrant and engaged community for LGBTQ+ students through their Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services. It exists to develop, support, and give "voice and action" in building future LGBTQ+ and ally student leaders. Campus-wide events include an Ithaca Pride walking tour of historically meaningful sites in Ithaca, an important site for LGBTQ+ rights. The center provides Safe Zone training, specialized orientation activities, PRIDE activities, and a unique opportunity for a social justice-themed living community. OStem UMD promotes participation and the development of LGBTQA communities in STEM. There are many ways for students to get involved at the GSRC, with volunteer or service learning opportunities. Their mission is to create an environment of respect, equity and, social justice through programming, outreach and education. CU Boulder ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. There are factors to consider when choosing an LGBTQ+-friendly college. The Dartmouth College Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL) provides community-specific campus resources to various student populations, including the LGBTQ+ community. expression. Los Angeles LGBT Center: Out for Safe School Campaign. The Campus Pride Index has recognized Macalester College as one of the best colleges for LGBT students in the nation. The Program for LGBTQ Health connects community members to LGBTQ-competent health providers both on campus and in the local community. The GGC provides support to the LGBTQ+ community through specialized advising, training, lectures, workshops, and celebratory advocacy. He is co-founder and executive director of Campus Pride. Get the BestColleges ranking seal. The directory also provides access to community outreach, advocacy, and activism opportunities available for further participation. In 1995, Massachusetts became the first state to ask high schoolers in its state-level health survey. You can also find this unique ranking methodology on our list of the best LGBTQ+-friendly colleges. Ithaca College began as a music conservatory in a building that was recognized, in 1971, as a part of the National Register of Historic Places. They provide space for all members of the Duck community to explore their identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. The GSRC fosters a supportive environment with intellectual, personal, and cultural programming. Teacher Asks Court to Restore Suit on Trans Student Pronouns. But to find the best colleges for LGBT students, look for policy: inclusive language in their student handbook; gender inclusive housing (or gender neutral housing); explicit non-discrimination policies (for instance, womens colleges that are openly welcoming to trans women); mental health resources for LGBT youth (who disproportionately experience trauma, abuse, and PTSD). A trans student can update a preferred name on student IDs, class rosters and other campus data. There are colleges in every state that provide notable LGBTQ+ support services. 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. Programming includes LUally training, mentorship, and a wide range of resources written for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Pride Center library. Mid Vermont Christian School (MVCS) was set . Rutgers is a LGBT friendly college offering many courses and programs dedicated to LGBTQ studies. The LGBT Center provides a space for those exploring their gender identity. The Terrapins value a strong understanding of diversity. His work has been published in the Journal Angelique Geehan founded Interchange, a consulting group offering anti-oppression support. They have gender inclusive restrooms and gender inclusive housing. Other sources of support include identity-affirming care, emergency funds for urgent needs, and housing. Theyre a LGBT friendly college believing in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Students have the ability to show their LGBTQ+ classmates they are welcome and safe within campus halls. They are not ranked based on how LGBT inclusive they are (which would be impossible), but ordered by their Consensus Score, with the recognition that they are all LGBT schools in their own way. 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. Many of these awards are reserved for certain academic majors or LGBTQ+ subgroups. GLSEN serves K-12 students, and you will know best which activities and lessons will meet your students' needs. Harvey Milk High School, New York City, US. They offer training on the proper pronoun usage and how to engage in a conversation about which pronoun to use. 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. The QSR provides programming for members of various communities such as Black queer and trans students and queer and trans people of color, academic-focused programs, and queer faith-based initiatives. 1. It is important to note that the following list does not include states where there are no schools that rank on the Campus Pride Index or states that do not have at least a four-star rating on the Campus Pride Index. Although the number of LGBTQ+ students attending U.S. colleges is increasing, these students face challenges. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. 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. University of Delaware ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. LGBT friendly colleges provide a safe space for queer young people, while helping prepare them for a workforce that is still frequently hostile. There are a number of characteristics to look for on a college campus that supports LGBTQ+ students. 2023 College Consensus | All Rights Reserved. Washington University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. UPenns LGBT Center was the first of its kind and has operated as a social hub for 35 years. Connecticut College ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. Their ethos is to observe and embrace student and faculty differences. IU-Bloomington is also home to the worlds 2nd largest student union, another sign of its commitment to student life. The Resource Centers signature initiatives include the UndocuQueer conference to highlight the intersection of undocumented immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. You can find information about some of these laws or policies on NCTE's School Action Center. Tufts University offers gender inclusive housing (known as the Rainbow House) through its campus pride initiative. The Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (GRSC) at Macalester College provides programming for its LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. SDSU is one of the top LGBT friendly campuses and the second college in the US to offer LGBT Studies as a major. A battle over rainbow stickers at a high school near Dallas has hobbled the Gay-Straight Alliance and left LGBTQ students feeling unsafe. Mid Vermont Christian . The Safe Space Program at Virginia Wesleyan University seeks to create a safe and bias-free campus environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Students who attended schools with GSAs reported fewer homophobic remarks, more intervention from school personnel and a greater sense of connectedness. Dartmouth College ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. They have a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Student Services working to improve the campus environment for all students. The Stonewall Center offers many other resources for students, such as support, a LGBTQIA+ affirming religious group, and LGBTQIA+ related courses. The LGBT Center, which started as a small support center for LGBTQ+ students in 1977, is the second of its kind on a university campus nationally. States with the highest LGBTQ+ populations include Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. Elon is on a mission to create a campus platform where all students are welcomed and included. It also provides opportunities for allyship through online resources, events, and training. Macalester College was founded in 1874 and, to this day, only offers undergraduate four-year degree programs. There are almost a dozen student groups catering to LGBTQIA+ and the challenges they face. QST looks at how society and politics shapes sexual and gender expression norms. 2:02. 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. Tufts University ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. UCLA School of Law's Williams Institute published data regarding U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest LGBTQ+ populations. Other courses address sex related issues, including sexual abuse and intimacy issues. The office connects individuals to external non-profit advocacy in the greater D.C. area. The University of Utah's LGBT Resource Center began serving the LGBTQ+ university community in 2002, as a student initiative. The LGBT Center at Tufts University offers a safe space for students to gather, as well as campus-wide programming on sexuality, gender, and discrimination. The center works to create a welcoming climate through advocacy, education, and community-building. It also hosts speakers, film series, receptions, and other social gatherings. They promote inclusion and support of LGBTQA science and engineering students in College Park. Since then, the university has built many resources for faculty, staff, and students in the community. Weve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck. LGBTQ+ Youth in Crisis: Best Practices Webinar LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other/questioning) students, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, and especially those students who live at the intersection of those identities, experience significant disparities compared to their peers. Once a month, the staff of The Q Center provides Free HIV testing and Safer Sex Education Workshops. curriculum, teacher training, suicide prevention and transgender students to rate school districts' LGBTQ policies on a three-tier, color-coded scale. . University of Pennsylvania Location Philadelphia, PA Tuition $24539 The Ohio State University Location Columbus, OH Tuition $18042 University of California - Los Angeles Location Los Angeles, CA Tuition $14760 Washington University in St. Louis Location St. Louis, MO Tuition $27777 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Location Cambridge, MA 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. Harvey Mudd College (HMC) is one of seven schools that united to create The Queer Resource Center of the Claremont Colleges (QRC). 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. They have worked to improve the climate, services, education and resources within the university and healthcare settings. This network includes student organizations, inclusive healthcare and counseling services, and support centers. In 2017, the MIYHS added gender identity to the survey. $10,000 (INR 8.2 Lakhs) Markowski-Leach Scholarships. According to U.S. News & World Report, Elon University ranks as the #1 school in the southern region of the country. 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. Her work focuses on training healthcare pro Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, writer, and editor. The LGBT Center at Tufts University offers a safe space for students to gather, as well as campuswide programing on sexuality, gender, and discrimination. The Gamma Mu Foundation awards scholarships to gay men under age 35 and one award each year to a member of the broader LGBT community. The university has a number of active student organizations, housing and diverse choice academic programs. 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. Despite allowing student-teachers and practicums from Arizona Christian University for the last 11 years without incident, the five-member governing board of the Washington Elementary School District in Arizona has unanimously voted to stop the practice because of the perceived threat the students' biblical value system poses to LGBT students. 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. Tufts University is comprised of ten schools across four Boston campuses and another in the French Alps. College diversity initiatives have expanded their definition to include LGBTQ+ students. Gender-inclusive housing, scholarship opportunities, health care, faculty representation, and the availability of student organizations and mentorship opportunities are all important factors to LGBTQ+ student success. Pride School Atlanta is a k-12 institution designed to be an alternative for LGBT students, though the school is open to any student who believes they're not getting the support they need. They affirm the lives of LGBTIA+ students with support resources and education. According to U.S. News & World Report, Lehigh University ranked 53rd (Tied) among 2019s best colleges. UMass is also one of the best theater colleges in the country. Whether to use the "women's" or "men's" restroom due to . The LGBTQ+ community at the University of Pittsburgh also plays an active role in fraternities and sororities and has gender-inclusive housing options available through the Office of Residence Life. The best estimate of how many GSAs exist in Catholic schools comes from GLSEN's 2013 National School Climate Survey, in which only 18 percent of LGBTQ students at private religious schools reported that their school had a GSA. Studies have shown that compared to their heterosexual peers, LGBTQ+ youth report much higher rates of depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, and lower self-esteem. The LGBTQ+ Speakers Bureau is a resource that offers interactive events for the community and allies. The GGC provides support to the LGBTQ+ community through specialized advising, training, lectures, workshops, and celebratory advocacy. Campus Pride National Scholarship Database, Effective LGBTQ Strategies for a Safer, More Welcoming Campus, Transgender Membership in Fraternities and Sororities and Title IX. UMDs Clark School of Engineering is known for its hands on engineering program, allowing students to research and build as soon as they begin school. Typically, 70% of undergraduate students live on campus. PSUs Trans Student Resources and Retention Coordinator (TReC) is the contact for resources and services for students identifying as trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and questioning, in addition to students who are intersex. Augsburg has gender neutral restrooms all over campus for students to have a safe restroom. This comprehensive list includes a wide range of online and in-person resources offered by the organization. The office also provides connections to community activism and support programs. Penn State is a proud member of the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT resource. They also provide training and initiatives related to allyship, social justice, and mental health and wellness. The student services strive to support an inclusive understanding of gender and sexuality. According to the National Science Foundation, Harvey Mudd consistently generates the most Science and Engineering Ph.D. graduates, among its competing universities like Caltech and MIT. The campus also provides LGBTQ+-friendly housing and all-gender restrooms and locker rooms, as well as healthcare and educational materials. New Jersey is among four states that passed laws mandating that public schools incorporate LGBTQ-inclusive curriculums. Support individual transgender and gender . It also hosts speakers, film series, receptions, and other social gatherings. They also allow students to select the pronoun that the student prefers. The center has collaborative initiatives with other diversity programs on campus to facilitate support to the community. Some consider Indiana University Bloomington to be a Public Ivy school. The organization's projects and initiatives are concentrated in five core values: social justice, youth voice and action, empowerment, positive change, and diversity. The Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community provides first-year housing to LGBTQ+ students and all-gender housing opportunities. The LGBTQ Student Center at the University of Miami provides the community a breadth of both virtual and face-to-face options for support. The Academic Residential Community creates opportunity through course work to foster understanding and respect for various identities. Of the top LGBTQ+-serving institutions, The Ohio State University has the largest overall student population and a strong support system for the LGBTQ+ community. Off-campus community groups also create strong partnerships for the campus community. We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. The Health Center provides counseling as well as wellness promotion and gender-affirming support. Together with the administration, they are creating an accessible environment for individuals of varying gender identities. The goal of this minor is to study sexuality and its complex history and culture. They are the director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the Trans Policy Clearinghouse coordinator for Campus Pride. Macalester has been ranked one of CCs best River and Lake Colleges. 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. The Pride Office, which is part of the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, provides the LGBTQ+ community with a support system that encourages dialogue, advocacy, and education. "We are aware of the situation with one student at one of our high schools who is dissatisfied with SBISD practices, which are applied to all athletes at that campus." Barnum. The resource library also catalogs books, movies, and other resources. Lehigh has established SafeZones throughout the campus, where staff, students and faculty are trained to professionally handle gender diversity issues. OnlineSchools.org. Their mission is to promote a respectful culture of integrity. The school works hard to provide resources for their trans and gender non-conforming community. Washington University offers a great deal of resources for LGBTQIA+ students and allies, from special interest organizations, retreats, leadership opportunities and various online resources. The LGBTQ Center offers various resources for LGBTQ students, including student organizations and the Safe Space program. 5. They host a InQueery Symposium which features a speaker and student presentations related to LGBTQ+. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has a significant number of resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community to get involved in social, educational, and advocacy programs through the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC). Many colleges struggle to provide data-driven programs to support these students. So, this leaves both students, schools, and parents with the underlying realization that LGBTQ+ education has little to no involvement in most classrooms. University of Oklahoma ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. Trans or nonbinary students of any background and LGBTQ+ students of color must consider how well their full identities are likely to be supported on campus. Policies or organizations that work for one college may not work for another, so defining LGBT friendly colleges means sorting through and analyzing. According to studies of LGBTQ youth by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a median of 7.9% of students in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual and an . NAU also provides gender-inclusive housing to allow for transgender and gender-questioning students to experience a safe alternative to gender binary housing. 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. 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. They have a LGBT Resource Center dedicated to providing security, education, and a productive environment to their LGBT students. They are committed to cultivating a respectful and affirming climate for all students to realize their full potential. Indiana University Bloomington is a public university established in 1820. Throughout primary school and college, students who identify as LGBTQ are more susceptible to bullying, social isolation, and even physical assault. Whether through regular campus events, housing and safe spaces, or training opportunities, there is robust support available. Z-A LGBTQ+ inclusive schools: Welcome all children, families and staff Promote gender equity and support transgender, non-binary and gender expansive students Proactively work to prevent and address bias-based bullying with an intersectional, anti-racist lens Foster understanding and respect for all people LGBTQ+, Bullying, Responding to Questions According to U.S. News & World Report, during the years from 2001-2018 Princeton University was ranked as the first or second best University in the country (and one of the Ivy Leagues offering free tuition). Center staff are available for consultations to provide support and guidance to the LGBTQ+ community. 1. THE LGBTQ Center maintains a library of resources and historical artifacts related to key moments in the history of the community. September 3, 2019. The center is now available for drop-in appointments, organizational meetings, and studying.