Students benefit when they can see people who they can relate to in their school and in the curriculum they . 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. More than 75% of their student body includes members of their high schools top 10% graduating class. 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 . Resources include support to improve campus climate and safety, opportunities for identity development, and expertise on institutional and state policies and their impact on the community. Title IX applies to all schools (including both K-12 schools and colleges) that get federal money, including nearly all public schools. In addition to harassment in schools, many LGBTQ+ students experience family and peer rejection, bullying, and isolation. PDF Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Students in Schools University of Utah ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. Public middle and high schools were required to follow the sex ed laws in the California Healthy Youth Act beginning in 2016, . A Vermont girls high school basketball team forfeited an out of state tournament after refusing to play against a team that had a transgender player.. How Important is the LSAT to Law School Admissions? The scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $2,500. The approach of this minor is to study sexuality in relation to the social construction of gender, race, and class. Harvey Mudd College provides a map that discloses the location of its gender neutral bathrooms across campus. Founded in 1989, the Gender + Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) was created to support and empower the LGBTQ+ community through events, education, and other initiatives. 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. It is the 4th oldest higher learning institution in the country. September 3, 2019. They are the director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the Trans Policy Clearinghouse coordinator for Campus Pride. 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 organization provides speakers from the community to present in classes, residence halls, or other events. 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. Additionally, the Safe Space program allows the community to learn how to create a safe environment on campus. Center staff are available for consultations to provide support and guidance to the LGBTQ+ community. Students have the ability to show their LGBTQ+ classmates they are welcome and safe within campus halls. Resources for Improving LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in the Classroom In this minor, students are informed about the intersectional experience of gender and sexuality and they way they move within all humans. 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. They provide space for all members of the Duck community to explore their identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. Supportive educators. The campus also provides LGBTQ+-friendly housing and all-gender restrooms and locker rooms, as well as healthcare and educational materials. There are factors to consider when choosing an LGBTQ+-friendly college. This ranking, in partnership with Campus Pride, looks at the top 25 LGBTQ+-friendly colleges. These challenges are related to: their identity, concerns with safety, and a lack of institutional policies to protect them. Girls high school basketball team forfeits tournament rather than play 5 Things You Can Do to Support Your LGBTQ Students The Pride Center at Lehigh University has a strong history of consistent development since its first student organization was created in 1972. 10 of the Most LGBTQ-Friendly US Universities | Top Universities 10 Best Colleges for LGBTQ Students College Magazine One masters level course, LGBTQ Issues, students are given a foundation and the skills to work with LGBTQ individuals. Know Your Rights: Students & LGBTQ Rights at School Augsburg has gender neutral restrooms all over campus for students to have a safe restroom. The Best Gay-Friendly Schools - Newsweek The Program for LGBTQ Health connects community members to LGBTQ-competent health providers both on campus and in the local community. 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. We rank the least LGBTQ-friendly colleges based on ratings and quotes from real students about equality on their campus. The Safe Space Program at Virginia Wesleyan University seeks to create a safe and bias-free campus environment for the LGBTQ+ community. It fosters a safe campus environment and affirms members of its community. Depending on the individual and her/his/their circumstances and environment, the number and degree of challenges will differ. The GSRC Qmmunity Connections creates a space for community members to make connections. In fact, according to the Human Rights . 5. LGBTQ+ youth activists who have overcome different hardships and struggles. UW-Eau Claire Blugolds have launched meaningful careers upon graduation for a century. The center, founded in 1999, supports both the academic and social needs of the community and its allies. The LGBT Center provides a space for those exploring their gender identity. The center focuses on the intersectionality of gender, race, religion, and sexuality. List of Schools Welcome to Gay Parent Magazine's listing of infant classes, preschools, and private day and boarding schools. The focus is critical thinking and social analysis about larger social and institutional formations. Founded in 1989, the Gender + Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) was created to support and empower the LGBTQ+ community through events, education and other interventions. Select the state for the schools in your area. 1-800-2REVIEW . 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 . It has since grown to provide support, learning and research opportunities, and employment and leadership development for LGBTQ+ students. 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. This is due to changes and improvements made to the campus climate through the creation of a robust support network for students. Anyone looking for information on how to support trans, and gender variant individuals in their lives is welcome. UCLA School of Law's Williams Institute published data regarding U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest LGBTQ+ populations. The LGBTQ+ Peer Mentor Program matches new students to returning students to facilitate the transition into university. They are committed to cultivating a respectful and affirming climate for all students to realize their full potential. Schools: Independent Day and Boarding; Preschools; Infant Classes | Gay A Vermont Christian high school forfeited a girls basketball game because the opposing team had a transgender player, the head of school said. The center also facilitates participation in events such as the Pride Parade, Black Gay Pride Week, Dragstavaganza, and Trans Day of Remembrance. Groundbreaking High School for LGBT Students to Open On Instagram, alum Gabi Antuna shared a screenshot from the 2021-2022 student handbook about the gender policy. 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. Augsburg University, located in Minneapolis, MN, was named one of Top 30 LGBTQ friendly campus by Campus Pride, with a 5 star rating. The GGC provides support to the LGBTQ+ community through specialized advising, training, lectures, workshops, and celebratory advocacy. UNK ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. Their mission is to create an environment of respect, equity and, social justice through programming, outreach and education. 1. Teacher Asks Court to Restore Suit on Trans Student Pronouns 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. It also hosts speakers, film series, receptions, and other social gatherings. LGBT friendly colleges are critical for the safety and well-being of gay, lesbian, trans, and nonconforming young people all over the nation. 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. 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 LGBTQ Center maintains a library of resources and historical artifacts related to key moments in the history of the community. It has a campus Pride Center. Other resources encourage connection, advocacy, and networking throughout the community. The LGBTQ Center offers various resources for LGBTQ students, including student organizations and the Safe Space program. The center provides opportunities for learning, leadership, and connection to the community. 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. 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. In 2015, Thomas-Reuters ranked UC (28th) among the most innovative educational institutes of higher learning in the world. Reviewed by Angelique Geehan Updated December 15, 2022 Learn more about our editorial process There are many LGBTQ+ resources available to students to build community. The LGBTQ Center at Montclair State University provides educational and engagement opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies on campus. The school offers more than 1,000 various types of student organizations. Southern Oregon University, located in Ashland OR, was ranked one of the top 25 LGBT friendly universities. Together with the administration, they are creating an accessible environment for individuals of varying gender identities. They are the director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the Trans Policy Clearinghouse coordinator for Campus Pride. The five strategies below provide action-oriented practices that can positively impact your LGBTQ students' experience while they are in school. The Division of Student Life at UD is committed to creating spaces and activities that foster acceptance and development. 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. It has the Gender Identity Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center (GIESOPRC), which is dedicated to the education, empowerment and engagement for LGBTQ+ students. The power to build inclusivity for LGBTQ+ students is not in the hands of teachers alone. 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. 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. This 17-page document obtained by The Denver Post offers guidance to Catholic school administrators on how to handle gay and transgender students, parents and staff. He is co-founder and executive director of Campus Pride. 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. Washington University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. Activities include participation in national events such as National Coming Out Day and World AIDS Day and internal events such as pride rallies, Transgender Day of Remembrance, and mentorship programs. But the best colleges for LGBT students can truly be a matter of life or death. So, this leaves both students, schools, and parents with the underlying realization that LGBTQ+ education has little to no involvement in most classrooms. Myth #5: Sex education is inclusive of all students. California became the first state in recent years to incorporate LGBTQ history into its curriculum, while earlier this year, the superintendent of Houston Independent School District - one of the. San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA, is one of the best schools for LGBT students. Edited by Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. The importance of LGBTQ+ inclusive education in schools Maine's High School Students Are Far More Likely Than Peers to Identify Rutgers is a LGBT friendly college offering many courses and programs dedicated to LGBTQ studies. Ithaca College has set up all-gender restrooms across the campus. Their Dandelion Initiative is a new persistence program serving the non-binary, transgender, and queer communities. LGBTQ+ Youth | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health | CDC The Queer Mentoring and Peer Program provides peer support as students navigate the college experience alongside sexual orientation and identity. It is considered a top research university. Ohio State University has an active LGBTQ+ community and provides comprehensive support for them with gender-inclusive housing, comprehensive health services, and faith-based support. Here are the top-ranked colleges for LGBTQ+ support. Los Angeles LGBT Center: Out for Safe School Campaign. Tufts University offers gender inclusive housing (known as the Rainbow House) through its campus pride initiative. The staff is trained in intersectional social justice issues, trans healthcare and creating a safe place for survivors of interpersonal violence. Vanderbilt University's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Life Office offers several campus, local and national resources to serve its LGBTQ+ community. The Academic Residential Community creates opportunity through course work to foster understanding and respect for various identities. Various student organizations provide opportunities for participation in social justice and other activities. Whether through regular campus events, housing and safe spaces, or training opportunities, there is robust support available. 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. Various campus and legal services are also available for support and engagement. The Resource Centers signature initiatives include the UndocuQueer conference to highlight the intersection of undocumented immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. Stanford University ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. 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 The 2011 National School Climate survey recommends: Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs). The researchers surveyed nearly 2,500 teachers and students across the country and found that teachers were less comfortable intervening with bullying due to sexual orientation and gender identity than with bullying based on race, ability, and religion. The almost 2% prevalence rate is more than double the previously available estimate of 0.7%. 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). The Stonewall Center offers many other resources for students, such as support, a LGBTQIA+ affirming religious group, and LGBTQIA+ related courses. The center works to create a welcoming climate through advocacy, education, and community-building. Many of these awards are reserved for certain academic majors or LGBTQ+ subgroups. Schools Struggle to Support LGBTQ Students | Edutopia Once a month, the staff of The Q Center provides Free HIV testing and Safer Sex Education Workshops. 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. Student academic and social organizations provide connections on campus, as do the LGBTQI Life programs. The school works hard to provide resources for their trans and gender non-conforming community. Graduate students can also participate in OUTgrads, LGBTQ+Med Alliance, OUTLaw, and other academic communities for support and guidance. The Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community provides first-year housing to LGBTQ+ students and all-gender housing opportunities. 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 University of Washington was founded in 1861. UW-Eau Claire has a Gender & Sexuality Resource Center dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive campus for all students. This network includes student organizations, inclusive healthcare and counseling services, and support centers. 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 The University of Louisville School of Medicine is piloting newly released LGBT health competencies for medical schools. UPenns SafeZones program is an exemplary model used by other LGBT schools.