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. Ithacas five separate schools include The School of Music, The School of Humanities & Science, The School of Business, The School and Communications and The School of Health Sciences &Human Performance. UPenns LGBT Center was the first of its kind and has operated as a social hub for 35 years. Included in this program is The Bridge LGBTQIA+ Resource Center, providing a safe space and an informal lounge and study space for students to gather. The LGBTQ Center at Brown University was established in 2004 and serves to provide a comprehensive training and support system surrounding issues of gender identity and sexuality for members of the LGBTQ+ community at the university and in the greater community. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Equity Center serves all LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff at the university. See the LGBTQ community page for more resources. 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). It is also recognized as one of the top-ranked schools that generate Fulbright Scholarship beneficiaries. PD program to facilitate safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. The center staff provides referrals for campus resources such as counseling, the Kearney S.A.F.E. We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. We believe in education, inspiration, and inclusion in all programs and events. Have inclusive and representative curriculum. Typically, 70% of undergraduate students live on campus. Their mission is to foster personal and academic growth for those students who identify, and those who are exploring their gender identity. Her work focuses on training healthcare pro Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, writer, and editor. 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. UCLA School of Law's Williams Institute published data regarding U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest LGBTQ+ populations. What does it take to be one of the Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students? It hosts an annual campus visit day for GSAs (Gay/Straight or Gender and Sexuality Alliances) in the region to introduce high school students to college life and to the University's LGBTQ+ resources. These 25 institutions are the highest-ranking colleges and universities known for their queer-friendliness. September 15, 2018. Find out which schools made our list for best colleges for LGBTQ+ students in each state. Top Scholarships for LGBTQ Students to Apply For Included below are a number of different financial awards including LGBTQ Awareness awards, awards based on academic interests, and awards based on concepts like optimism, learning and changing, and more. The center is now available for drop-in appointments, organizational meetings, and studying. Resources. The Princeton Review regularly ranks Ithaca College as one of the best school in the nation. Depending on the individual and her/his/their circumstances and environment, the number and degree of challenges will differ. Brown University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. About 40% of Lehighs student body studies at the College of Arts and Sciences. Center, or Title IX concerns. SDSU is one of the top LGBT friendly campuses and the second college in the US to offer LGBT Studies as a major. 1-800-2REVIEW . It serves the entire UMass community and provides cultural and educational programming, LGBTQIA ally training, a library, information and support. 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). Guilford College ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Safe Space workshops, resources for education on unconscious bias, and participation in local Pride events provide the LGBTQ+ community with opportunities to connect with members of the community for academic and social support. Tufts University is a research university that was established in 1852. They believe differences should be celebrated and they stand as a model for diversity through their student body and their programming. MAC voluntarily participates in the Allies Project; a campus model that creates and trains LGBT support faculty, staff and students. Connecticut College's LGBTQIA Center was founded in 2007 by a group of students in conjunction with a faculty member. There are many LGBTQ+ resources available to students to build community. List of Schools Welcome to Gay Parent Magazine's listing of infant classes, preschools, and private day and boarding schools. At the high school level, counselors are forming LGBTQ support groups to provide outlets for these students to discuss specific issues and concerns. They provide space for all members of the Duck community to explore their identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. "To do otherwise would not only be discriminatory but would deprive high school students of the meaningful opportunity to participate in educational activities, including inter-scholastic sports, based on sex-stereotyping and prejudice sought to be prevented by Title IX and Connecticut state law." It consistently ranks among the top one hundred public institutes of higher learning in the country. Partnerships with campus offices allow the center to leverage existing expertise into workshops, presentations, and conferences on topics affecting the community. Indiana University Bloomington is a public university established in 1820. Princeton University was established in 1746, 30 years before the American Revolution. Here are the top-ranked colleges for LGBTQ+ support. Although the number of LGBTQ+ students attending U.S. colleges is increasing, these students face challenges. Barnum. Students benefit when they can see people who they can relate to in their school and in the curriculum they . Los Angeles LGBT Center: Out for Safe School Campaign. Indiana University, Purdue University, and Rutgers University have the next largest total populations, with comprehensive support available for LGBTQ+ students. Gender neutral dorms are available for those students currently transitioning. University of Oregon offers a minor in queer studies (QST) under Womens, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. The center works closely with other campus identity centers to achieve this goal. Other initiatives include workshops, leadership programs, and student organizations. 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. Increased visibility of LGBTQ+ students on campuses has increased the need for support networks. The program support includes health and wellness initiatives, crisis response, and academic and social support groups. The University of Louisville School of Medicine is piloting newly released LGBT health competencies for medical schools. They offer defined residential communities (DRC), which are hallways where students live with those that share similar interests, and identities. Glenn . Ally training is available on campus, and the university collaborates closely advocacy groups in the community such as Freedom Oklahoma and the Norman Queer Alliance. Rutgers offers gender inclusive housing, including gender neutral dorms and freshman being paired with student interested in LGBTQ issues. UNK ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. Anyone looking for information on how to support trans, and gender variant individuals in their lives is welcome. University of Maryland, located in College Park, MD, is a LGBT friendly college. The resource library also catalogs books, movies, and other resources. The TReC meets one on one with students to help them navigate gender identity struggles within the community. The 2011 National School Climate survey recommends: Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs). 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. The almost 2% prevalence rate is more than double the previously available estimate of 0.7%. The organization's projects and initiatives are concentrated in five core values: social justice, youth voice and action, empowerment, positive change, and diversity. CU Boulder ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. It now offers more than 60 online degrees and certificates. It warns that "the spread of . Other courses address sex related issues, including sexual abuse and intimacy issues. The center provides opportunities for learning, leadership, and connection to the community. 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. Cobretti's research and writing focuses on the experiences of historically excluded students and faculty and staff in higher education. The GSRC fosters a supportive environment with intellectual, personal, and cultural programming. The Resource Center offers education on being a LGBT and Trans ally. The Center provides regular programming throughout the year, but also a Queer Students of Color Conference, and various affinity groups. Up until the 1970s, incoming freshman wore dinks little brown hats and participated the Pajama Parade. According to U.S. News & World Report, Lehigh University ranked 53rd (Tied) among 2019s best colleges. A resource library also catalogs books, movies, and other resources. On Instagram, alum Gabi Antuna shared a screenshot from the 2021-2022 student handbook about the gender policy. How . California Colorado Connecticut Illinois Iowa Maryland Massachusetts New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Virginia Washington Washington DC It is the 5th oldest university in the United States, with the largest endowment per student. CUs Natural History museum is recognized as one of the most comprehensive collections in the Rocky Mountain region of the country. Policies and locations are drafted and organized into one Ithaca College Statement. 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 All-Gender Community housing is a model community where students of all genders are welcome. Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, KS, is the proud home of the Wildcats. Open since 1982, the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania was created as a response to homophobic incidents occurring on campus. The LGBTQ+ Speakers Bureau is a resource that offers interactive events for the community and allies. Includes links to GLSEN's Safe Space Kit (6-12), Ready Set Respect (K-5), LGBT inclusive decorative materials for the classroom, the Gay Straight Alliance Network, and more. Many education experts have ranked UPenn as a world leading university, known for their academic and research excellence, as well as their social responsibility (they are also one of the top green colleges in the nation). According to U.S. News & World Report, MAC ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country. curriculum, teacher training, suicide prevention and transgender students to rate school districts' LGBTQ policies on a three-tier, color-coded scale. Ohio State University (Ohio State), through the Office of Student Lifes Multi-cultural Center, administers a variety of LGBT campus pride initiatives. 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. PSU has all gender restrooms throughout the campus. UMass is also one of the best theater colleges in the country. It is considered a top research university. Public middle and high schools were required to follow the sex ed laws in the California Healthy Youth Act beginning in 2016, . Since then, the university has built many resources for faculty, staff, and students in the community. 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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. Cities considered LGBTQ+-friendly have well-established, safe communities with activities, nightlife, housing, and events that are appealing to the LGBTQ+ community. 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. PSU ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Guilford College's Diversity and Inclusion office provides a number of support services for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Rutgers University provides comprehensive support to the LGBTQ+ community through multiple events, workshops, housing, and other resources. Those attending Harvey Mudd College proudly call themselves Mudders, and theyre frequently ranked among the best small colleges in the nation. Off-campus community groups also create strong partnerships for the campus community. They have safe zone training centered around LGBT specific health issues in medicine, practice, and research. 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. Like the Gallup data for adults, MIYHS data show the number of LGBT-identifying students has increased since 2009, but especially since 2017. For the fourth year in a row, Campus Pride Index has ranked Elon is among the top 30 LGBT friendly colleges. Rachel Stonecipher, who taught English at MacArthur High . LGBT friendly colleges are critical for the safety and well-being of gay, lesbian, trans, and nonconforming young people all over the nation. 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 . The University of Vermont ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities provides educational and social programs, and leadership development for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA) and ally students. Penn State launched the World Campus just before the turn of the 21st century. K-State ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Reuters/Stephane Mahe. 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. Their programming involves social, academic, and advocacy opportunities, as well as health promotion and financial support. Center staff are available for consultations to provide support and guidance to the LGBTQ+ community. They have gender inclusive housing such as residence halls for individuals that do not conform to male or female gender. Mid Vermont Christian School (MVCS) was set . Kenyon College hosts the Queer and Trans Studies Conference biennially, featuring tracks in healthcare and technology, visual and performing arts, humanities and popular culture, society and law, and community interest workshops. 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. Student academic and social organizations provide connections on campus, as do the LGBTQI Life programs. This unique initiative built a comprehensive library resource (i.e. These groups provide one way to let these students know that they are valued and that their voices are important. 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. 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. The center was created in 1992 as the result of a recommendation from the Select Committee for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. Ithaca Colleges LGBT center was established in 2001 and continues to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for LGBT students and their allies. It is also known for its unique Out! Tufts University offers gender inclusive housing (known as the Rainbow House) through its campus pride initiative. The Gay Liberation Front chapter at the University of Michigan created the Spectrum Center in 1971, to support their LGBTQ+ community. Programming includes the The Ohio State Q*mmunity (OSQ) peer mentor program, resources for queer and trans people of color, and various training opportunities to educate all interested in the history and terminology of the LGBTQ+ community. There are a number of characteristics to look for on a college campus that supports LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ Student Center at the University of Miami provides the community a breadth of both virtual and face-to-face options for support. Get the BestColleges ranking seal. The school offers more than 1,000 various types of student organizations. 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. Once a month, the staff of The Q Center provides Free HIV testing and Safer Sex Education Workshops. One new initiative is the David Bohnett CyberCenter, a computer lab that allows students to work in a nurturing atmosphere. These universities are: Augsburg College, Elon University, Harvey Mudd College, Guilford College, Indiana University Bloomington, Ithaca College, Kansas State University, Kent State University, Kenyon College, Lehigh University, Macalester College, Montclair State University, Northern Kentucky University, Purdue University, Portland State They also include mental health concerns, questions about gender identity, safety concerns due to discrimination, and a lack of institutional protection. Myth #5: Sex education is inclusive of all students. Reviewed by Angelique Geehan Updated June 25, 2022 Learn more about our editorial process UT Dallas ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The Queer Resource Center (QRC) at Harvey Mudd College began in the 1970s, created by students. 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. Ithaca College ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The LGBTQ Student Center hosts a number of student organizations for its diverse populations. They also provide training and initiatives related to allyship, social justice, and mental health and wellness. UofL ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Kenyon College ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. There are factors to consider when choosing an LGBTQ+-friendly college. Dartmouth College ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. 3 Nearly one-third (29%) of LGB youth had attempted suicide at least once in the prior year compared to 6% of heterosexual youth. Whether through regular campus events, housing and safe spaces, or training opportunities, there is robust support available. Programming includes LUally training, mentorship, and a wide range of resources written for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Pride Center library. The office connects individuals to external non-profit advocacy in the greater D.C. area. Center staff are available for consultations to provide support and guidance to the LGBTQ+ community. It has a campus Pride Center. by Debbi Johnson-Rais, Ed.D. The center focuses on the intersectionality of gender, race, religion, and sexuality. Montclair State offers a LGBTQ minor under the Gender, Sexuality, and Womens Studies program to allow students to think critically about identity, current issues, and activism. Connecticut College ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. Student Paper Calls on ASU to Unsubscribe From N.Y. 'Times' President Sasse to face protests and demands on first day Seattle Pacific Removes Pride Flags from Campus The University of Utah's LGBT Resource Center began serving the LGBTQ+ university community in 2002, as a student initiative. They allow students to select the name by which they are known and that is one the schools records. The administration of Republican Gov. WVU ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. Campus Pride serves LGBTQ+ and allied student leaders and campus organizations in leadership development, support programs, and services to create safer, more inclusive, and LGBTQ+-friendly colleges and universities. Education and training continuously change as the needs of LGBT individuals are better understood. Their mission is to promote a respectful culture of integrity. The LGBTQ+ Peer Mentor Program matches new students to returning students to facilitate the transition into university. Lehigh has established SafeZones throughout the campus, where staff, students and faculty are trained to professionally handle gender diversity issues. Despite the recent legalization of gay marriage, the LGBT youth of America still face unwanted discrimination in and out of school. Many of these awards are reserved for certain academic majors or LGBTQ+ subgroups. Antonian College Preparatory High School, San Antonio, TX, has adopted a new policy which threatens to expel transgender students. However, the presence of a strong campus pride network is a good indication of queer acceptance and protections; if students feel safe to form an active (and activist) organization, thats a pretty good sign that the institution is at least tolerant. The Gender + Equality Center houses advocates that cultivate and affirm the rights of LGBTQ+ people and women on campus. GSAs are made up of students of any sexual orientation or gender identity, not just gay students. The approach of this minor is to study sexuality in relation to the social construction of gender, race, and class. Penn State is a proud member of the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT resource. The GIESOPRC has multiple resources and guides for those who would like to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. Known for one of the nations best campus dining halls, Tufts is also the alma mater of queer icon Tracy Chapman. Image Credit: RobinOlimb / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images, 2023 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company. The University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) offers its LGBT students and faculty a safe space providing gender identity support and education through its Gender & Sexuality Center.