The organization's projects and initiatives are concentrated in five core values: social justice, youth voice and action, empowerment, positive change, and diversity. 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 . 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. UMass is also one of the best theater colleges in the country. Additionally, HMC provides gender inclusive housing options. They created a certificate in EDI for faculty and staff as part of their professional development. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. LGB youth are at greater risk for depression, suicide, substance use, and sexual behaviors that can place them at increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is considered a top research university. Here are the top-ranked colleges for LGBTQ+ support. 22 school districts were given "top tier" ratings, 80 . They do this through increasing awareness, leadership development, and various other resources. IU Bloomington offers gender neutral housing that allows LGBT students to live their authentic selves on campus. However, schools can make a difference. About 40% of Lehighs student body studies at the College of Arts and Sciences. Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, KS, is the proud home of the Wildcats. Lambda Legal is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy for members of the LGBTQ+ community. UW ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The center connects with the local community groups to provide enrichment opportunities for its members. Macalester has been ranked one of CCs best River and Lake Colleges. September 18, 202212:57 PM ET. No matter what sex you were assigned at birth, you have the right to cut your hair and wear your clothes in a way that matches . They promote inclusion and support of LGBTQA science and engineering students in College Park. K-State has a chapter of Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM) dedicated to fostering leadership for LGBTQA individuals in STEM fields. Their programming involves social, academic, and advocacy opportunities, as well as health promotion and financial support. Center, or Title IX concerns. 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. He is co-founder and executive director of Campus Pride. Vanderbilt University ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. Augsburg has gender neutral restrooms all over campus for students to have a safe restroom. The LGBTQ+ Peer Mentor Program matches new students to returning students to facilitate the transition into university. It is also known for its unique Out! It is the 5th oldest university in the United States, with the largest endowment per student. State laws and school district policies in many places also protect transgender students from discrimination. Tufts LGBT and Trans students can opt to visit a separate health care facility. Penn State is considered one of the most LGBT friendly colleges as it includes all-gender restrooms and gender inclusive housing. According to BestColleges.com,Princeton University ranked first among the best colleges for LGBT for students. The 780-acre campus is home to a student body that exceeded 33,000 in the fall of 2017 (and one of the best college for skiing and snowboarding, naturally). Other sources of support include identity-affirming care, emergency funds for urgent needs, and housing. Image Credit: RobinOlimb / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images, 2023 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company. They offer a LGBT health certificate, which teaches healthcare students the knowledge to successfully treat LGBT patients. Lehigh University created The Pride Center for Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (The Pride Center), to reach for the objective of an equitable, just campus (and world). This comprehensive list includes a wide range of online and in-person resources offered by the organization. They are the director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the Trans Policy Clearinghouse coordinator for Campus Pride. 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. The center, founded in 1999, supports both the academic and social needs of the community and its allies. 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 UWEC ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. This database from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists more than 30 reports, pamphlets, and other publications aimed at LGBTQ+ youth, parents, teachers, school administrators, and allies. Increased visibility of LGBTQ+ students on campuses has increased the need for support networks. Ohio State University (Ohio State), through the Office of Student Lifes Multi-cultural Center, administers a variety of LGBT campus pride initiatives. in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. Participants also take part in local events such as the Miami Beach Pride Parade.UM ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. The Queer Professionals Network allows students to connect with faculty, staff, and alumni, and various identity collectives create opportunities for cross-campus dialogue. The center provides opportunities for learning, leadership, and connection to the community. University of Oregon offers a minor in queer studies (QST) under Womens, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. The University of Washington (UW or U-Dub) opened The Q Center, primarily run by students, that offers advising, policy advocacy and mentoring services to anyone regardless of their identified gender or sexual preference. Ithaca College ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. The LGBTQ Student Center at the University of Miami provides the community a breadth of both virtual and face-to-face options for support. They allow students to select the name and pronoun that best suits the student to be used on university records and databases. The Center provides regular programming throughout the year, but also a Queer Students of Color Conference, and various affinity groups. The Gay Liberation Front chapter at the University of Michigan created the Spectrum Center in 1971, to support their LGBTQ+ community. 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. 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. It has since grown to provide support, learning and research opportunities, and employment and leadership development for LGBTQ+ students. The University of Vermont ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. Center staff are available for consultations to provide support and guidance to the LGBTQ+ community. Dartmouth College ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. Graduate students can also participate in OUTgrads, LGBTQ+Med Alliance, OUTLaw, and other academic communities for support and guidance. In 1971, the University of Michigan became the first college in the country to establish an LGBT office, and the university continues to be a pioneer on trans support. The center, founded in 1999, supports both the academic and social needs of the community and its allies. Mid Vermont Christian School (MVCS) was set . Kenyon College biennially hosts the Queer and Trans Studies Conference, featuring tracks in healthcare and technology, visual and performing arts, humanities and popular culture, society and law, and community interest workshops. 4. 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. Their mission is to create an environment of respect, equity and, social justice through programming, outreach and education. New Title IX rules set to assert rights of transgender students. LGBTQ+ youth activists who have overcome different hardships and struggles. It serves to foster a safe campus environment and affirm members of its community. Macalester College was founded in 1874 and, to this day, only offers undergraduate four-year degree programs. The Q Center was created in 2005 as a result of a letter to the university president requesting a safe space for queer students. Together with the administration, they are creating an accessible environment for individuals of varying gender identities. Known for one of the nations best campus dining halls, Tufts is also the alma mater of queer icon Tracy Chapman. Edited by Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. 2023 College Consensus | All Rights Reserved. The infrastructure of the college is also critical to creating a climate of inclusion, particularly through gender-inclusive housing, inclusive restrooms, and faculty and staff representation. 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. 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 offers gender inclusive restrooms and locker rooms. The LGBTQ Student Center hosts a number of student organizations for its diverse populations. Up until the 1970s, incoming freshman wore dinks little brown hats and participated the Pajama Parade. University of Pennsylvania Location: Philadelphia, PA Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,000 Acceptance Rate: 6% UPenn ranks high on the scorecard for recruitment and retention of LGBTQ+ students. University of Oklahoma ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. Several factors that can help improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ young people include: Addressing LGBTQ+-related stigma, discrimination, and violence Building on the strengths of LGBTQ+ youth Fostering supports such as family acceptance and safe, affirming environments in schools and other settings Her work focuses on training healthcare pro Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, writer, and editor. Ready, Set, Respect! 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. Students benefit when they can see people who they can relate to in their school and in the curriculum they . Lehigh has also frequently been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the US, in addition to the most welcoming. These groups provide one way to let these students know that they are valued and that their voices are important. The resource library also catalogs books, movies, and other resources. 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. 1. Harvey Mudd offers remarkable workshops and sponsors events on their shared campuses. The university also collaborates with many community programs in the city of Baltimore, including the Pride Center and Baltimore Pride. The center focuses on the intersectionality of gender, race, religion, and sexuality. UCLA School of Law's Williams Institute published data regarding U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest LGBTQ+ populations. In 2017, the MIYHS added gender identity to the survey. 1-800-2REVIEW . 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.. 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. 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 . According to the American Council of Education, identity development, campus climate, and policy remain the most critical components of support for LGBTQ+ students. This ranking, in partnership with Campus Pride, looks at the top 25 LGBTQ+-friendly colleges. Montclair State University, located in Clifton, NJ, has a LGBTQ Center dedicated to creating an environment of inclusion and support to all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expression. The LGBTQ+ Speakers Bureau is a resource that offers interactive events for the community and allies. Student academic and social organizations provide connections on campus, as do the LGBTQI Life programs. Northern Arizona University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. On Instagram, alum Gabi Antuna shared a screenshot from the 2021-2022 student handbook about the gender policy. One new initiative is the David Bohnett CyberCenter, a computer lab that allows students to work in a nurturing atmosphere. THE LGBTQ Center maintains a library of resources and historical artifacts related to key moments in the history of the community. The policy says students will be treated according to their "biological sex" when it comes to names . 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. They have gender inclusive housing in Stonewall Living Suites, which connects students interested in supporting the LGBTQA community. 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. by Debbi Johnson-Rais, Ed.D. 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). The student services strive to support an inclusive understanding of gender and sexuality. They allow students to use a name different than their legal name on their university records. 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. The program connects community members to campus and local resources for support. Penn State is a proud member of the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT resource. 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. School alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, Rhodes and Fulbright Scholars and Nobel laureates. The Queer Student Resources (QSR) office creates spaces for students of all genders and sexualities to feel safe. According to Shane Windmeyer, the founder and executive director of Campus Pride, the mission is to serve "LGBTQ+ and ally student leaders and campus organizations in the areas of leadership development, support programs, and services to create safer, more inclusive LGBTQ+-friendly colleges and universities.". 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. WVU ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. Kenyon College has a strong institutional commitment to providing a safe, vibrant community for its LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff, and policy to support them. UNK ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. Students connect with faculty members who are already "out" to give them positive guidance. Their mission is to proactively foster academic (and personal) success by building a campus that understands and appreciates LGBT students, faculty and alumni issues. Northern Arizona University LGBTQIA Commission is an organization that provides support to all students, faculty, and staff at the university. Organizations involved in this effort include the K-State Sexuality and Gender Alliance, the LGBTQ+ Faculty Staff Alliance, the Gender Collective, and oSTEM. It fosters a safe campus environment and affirms members of its community. The QSR provides programming for members of various communities such as Black queer and trans students, queer and trans people of color, academic-focused programs, and queer faith-based initiatives. The Queer Resource Center began in 2003 as a response to the need for support and protection for the LGBTQ+ community. K-State ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. It is the 4th oldest higher learning institution in the country. Nov. 4, 2022, at 5:18 p.m. More than 75% of their student body includes members of their high schools top 10% graduating class. Here are the top-ranked colleges for LGBTQ+ support. 25 LGBTQ Friendly Colleges for 2021 Top Consensus Ranked Top 5 1 Princeton University 2 Harvey Mudd College 3 University of Pennsylvania 4 Macalester College 5 Elon University LGBT friendly colleges are critical for the safety and well-being of gay, lesbian, trans, and nonconforming young people all over the nation. One of the strongest ways that a student can help build an inclusive LGBTQ+ environment is by creating or joining a gay-straight alliance, or GSA, club. They also provide training and initiatives related to allyship, social justice, and mental health and wellness. At the high school level, counselors are forming LGBTQ support groups to provide outlets for these students to discuss specific issues and concerns. Programming includes LUally training, mentorship, and a wide range of resources written for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Pride Center library. Through peer support, leadership development, and training, GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to: (1) create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia and other oppressions; (2) educate school communities about Additional support includes access to specialized legal services, health initiatives, and professional and academic development with an LGBT+ focus. Community dinner nights and Lavender Coffee chats also allow for social engagement. Elon is on a mission to create a campus platform where all students are welcomed and included. MSU ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. The school offers more than 1,000 various types of student organizations. Results Overall, 1.8% of youth identified as transgender. The Queer Mentoring and Peer Program provides peer support as students navigate the college experience alongside sexual orientation and identity. 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. Edited by Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. Washington University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. They offer all gender campus housing for those who want to live with others regardless of their gender. Their mission is to promote a respectful culture of integrity. They affirm the lives of LGBTIA+ students with support resources and education. The provide outreach and education for the K-State community with the goal of promoting a better understanding and acceptance of gender diversity and identity issues. Mid Vermont Christian School in Junction had been . Through Macalester Colleges (MAC) Career Development Center, the college offers students a chance to participate, and run, its Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC). Students can live with a student of any gender identity. 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. Policies and locations are drafted and organized into one Ithaca College Statement. The center provides opportunities for learning, leadership, and connection to the community. The center works to create a welcoming climate through advocacy, education, and community-building. The Safe Space Program at Virginia Wesleyan University seeks to create a safe and bias-free campus environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Harvey Mudd College provides a map that discloses the location of its gender neutral bathrooms across campus. 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. 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. In 2015, Thomas-Reuters ranked UC (28th) among the most innovative educational institutes of higher learning in the world. 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. 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. Reviewed by Angelique Geehan Updated June 25, 2022 Learn more about our editorial process Glenn . The Galerstein Gender Center (GGC) has been part of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion since 1996. Lehigh has established SafeZones throughout the campus, where staff, students and faculty are trained to professionally handle gender diversity issues. 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. The directory also provides access to community outreach, advocacy, and activism opportunities available for further participation. The Galerstein Gender Center (GGC) has been part of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion since 1996. Rights of Transgender, Genderqueer, & Gender-Nonconforming Students. Tufts University offers gender inclusive housing (known as the Rainbow House) through its campus pride initiative. 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. 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. In order to be considered for this ranking, a school had to appear on either The Advocate's list of the 100 best schools for LGBT students or InsideCollege.com's list of gay-friendly campuses . 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 challenges are related to: their identity, concerns with safety, and a lack of institutional policies to protect them. 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. Pursue Professional Development. The University of Pittsburgh offers the LGBTQ+ community a comprehensive database for navigating the extensive resources provided. University of Pennsylvania ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Peer support from LGBTQ+ organizations or mentorship programs can offer a safe space to explore identity or socialize with like-minded individuals. 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. They recruit and address the needs of the LGBTQA and STEM communities and those who have been underrepresented in the past. The university provides special interest housing, and the campus health center is available for a broad range of sexual health support and gender-confirming therapy. The center has collaborative initiatives with other diversity programs on campus to facilitate support to the community. Unique opportunities include the Lavender Leadership Honor Society, the #TransTerps project, and the Rainbow Terrapin Network. Ithaca Colleges LGBT center was established in 2001 and continues to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for LGBT students 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. 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. The center provides Safe Zone training, specialized orientation activities, PRIDE activities, and a unique opportunity for a social justice-themed living community.