UW-Eau Claire has a Gender & Sexuality Resource Center dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive campus for all students. There are colleges in every state that provide notable LGBTQ+ support services. This network includes student organizations, inclusive healthcare and counseling services, and support centers. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) as a comprehensive resource providing information, education and reinforced advocacy for those exploring or identifying with a variety of gender and non-gender identities. One masters level course, LGBTQ Issues, students are given a foundation and the skills to work with LGBTQ individuals. All students should ensure their institution of choice is a good fit for them, but LGBTQ+ students have additional details to consider. Theyre a LGBT friendly college believing in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The Division of Student Life at UD is committed to creating spaces and activities that foster acceptance and development. Ithaca College has set up all-gender restrooms across the campus. The LGBTQ+ Culture Center at Indiana University-Bloomington provides support to members of its LGBTQ+ community that includes scholarships, educational resources, and other support services. Weve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck. The Montana State University LGBTQ+ Resource directory provides a comprehensive look into all of the educational and support resources available to the campus community. Ithaca Colleges LGBT center was established in 2001 and continues to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for LGBT students and their allies. Find out which schools made our list for best colleges for LGBTQ+ students in each state. Together with the administration, they are creating an accessible environment for individuals of varying gender identities. In his kindergarten classroom, one teacher in western Massachusetts using "Rights, Respect, Responsibility" introduces the idea . They do this through increasing awareness, leadership development, and various other resources. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. He is co-founder and executive director of Campus Pride. LGBT movies and books). UWs Q Center also includes a lending library, gender discussion groups and blog opportunities for those students seeking a chance to participate to spread their message through two UW-sponsored blogs. 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. The policy says students will be treated according to their "biological sex" when it comes to names . Ithaca College is a private college founded in 1892. The center is now available for drop-in appointments, organizational meetings, and studying. Additionally, the Safe Space program allows the community to learn how to create a safe environment on campus. 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 Gay Liberation Front chapter at the University of Michigan created the Spectrum Center in 1971, to support their LGBTQ+ community. Center, or Title IX concerns. Workshops and professional development with experts can help to ensure that your school is inclusive, safe, and affirming for LGBTQ youth. Effective professional development can help to educate staff on how to handle harassment and bullying, and it can provide a place to share resources and best practices to . The center staff provides referrals for campus resources such as counseling, the Kearney S.A.F.E. The University of Utah's LGBT Resource Center began serving the LGBTQ+ university community in 2002, as a student initiative. The GIESOPRC has multiple resources and guides for those who would like to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. Have inclusive and representative curriculum. This major helps to advance the knowledge of sexual and gender identity, while increases the understanding of cultural diversity, along with historical and current day experiences of people across all sexualities. West Point Virginia high school teacher, Peter Vlaming, speaks with attorney's after his case was argued . 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. Northern Arizona University LGBTQIA Commission is an organization that provides support to all students, faculty, and staff at the university. Although the number of LGBTQ+ students attending U.S. colleges is increasing, these students face challenges. 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. A bias-based bullying prevention program providing LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals. NAU also provides gender-inclusive housing to allow for transgender and gender-questioning students to experience a safe alternative to gender binary housing. San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA, is one of the best schools for LGBT students. 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. Barnum. A GSA is a type of student club, typically in a high school or middle school, which provides a place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and work to end harassment or discrimination for LGBTQ+ students. THe WVU LGBTQ+ Commission works with the center to monitor institutional procedures to ensure protection. The approach of this minor is to study sexuality in relation to the social construction of gender, race, and class. UW ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. They offer training on the proper pronoun usage and how to engage in a conversation about which pronoun to use. The center connects with the local community groups to provide enrichment opportunities for its members. According to MIYHS data, 5.5 percent of high schoolers identified as LG or B in 2009, 5.8 percent in 2011, 5.9 percent in 2013, and 7.9 percent in 2015. The 2011 National School Climate survey recommends: Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs). Support includes LGBTQIA+ advising, housing, and academic residency programs through Triangle House, a library with specialized resources, and a Partnerships in Pride mentoring program. More than 75% of their student body includes members of their high schools top 10% graduating class. They also provide training and initiatives related to allyship, social justice, and mental health and wellness. Washington University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. 22 school districts were given "top tier" ratings, 80 . MAC shows its LGBT campus pride by offering gender inclusive housing for students identifying as LGBT. "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." Canadian Catholic high school student Josh Alexander was reportedly arrested after being suspended for protesting against transgender people's use of bathrooms and saying there are only two g Augsburg has gender neutral restrooms all over campus for students to have a safe restroom. Whether through regular campus events, housing and safe spaces, or training opportunities, there is robust support available. There are a number of characteristics to look for on a college campus that supports LGBTQ+ students. Kenyon College has a strong institutional commitment to providing a safe, vibrant community for its LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff, and a policy to support them. Other resources encourage connection, advocacy, and networking throughout the community. Their programming involves social, academic, and advocacy opportunities, as well as health promotion and financial support. 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 Gender & LGBTQIA Center provides LGBT students (and those questioning their sexual identity) a chance to feel valued, validated and victorious while attending Elon, and in their lives. 3 Nearly one-third (29%) of LGB youth had attempted suicide at least once in the prior year compared to 6% of heterosexual youth. QST looks at how society and politics shapes sexual and gender expression norms. A recent report by the Proud and Thriving Project found that LGBTQ+ students experience greater incidences of mental health conditions than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts, making adequate mental health resources critical. In other words, inclusiveness is a grab-bag, based on choices that colleges make based on their own needs and student population. Anyone looking for information on how to support trans, and gender variant individuals in their lives is welcome. Start the Survey . Open since 1982, the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania was created as a response to homophobic incidents occurring on campus. Jaclyn Diaz. Results Overall, 1.8% of youth identified as transgender. They create a network and opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ campus community. 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. Resources include the Trans Resource guide, LGBTQ housing options, and a weekly newsletter with updates on community events. Obviously, a vocal and well-promoted campus pride organization is a clear sign, but most LGBTQIA organizations are student-run; they dont show an institutional commitment. Title IX applies to all schools (including both K-12 schools and colleges) that get federal money, including nearly all public schools. The university also collaborates with many community programs in the city of Baltimore, including the Pride Center and Baltimore Pride. 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.