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 The university also collaborates with many community programs in the city of Baltimore, including the Pride Center and Baltimore Pride. 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. Lehigh University is a private university that was established in 1865. 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. 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. Weve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck. Policies and locations are drafted and organized into one Ithaca College Statement. Thanks to Massachusetts' efforts, we know the state's population of teens identifying as. This comprehensive list includes a wide range of online and in-person resources offered by the organization. They have a Queer Resource Center (QRT) offering resources and programming to support all students at PSU. The center, founded in 1999, supports both the academic and social needs of the community and its allies. 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). Supportive educators. 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. Emory University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. According to U.S. News & World Report, MAC ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country. 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. Connecticut College ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. Other resources include an African-American Resource Center, religious organizations and various cultural clubs. 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. Other courses address sex related issues, including sexual abuse and intimacy issues. The University of Washington was founded in 1861. SDSU is one of the top LGBT friendly campuses and the second college in the US to offer LGBT Studies as a major. Campus-wide events include an Ithaca Pride walking tour of historically meaningful sites in Ithaca, an important site for LGBTQ+ rights. Windmeyer is also the author of The Advocate College Guide for LGBTQ+ Students, the first-ever college guide profiling the "100 Best LGBTQ-Friendly Campuses.". 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. Tufts University offers gender inclusive housing (known as the Rainbow House) through its campus pride initiative. The Morrill Land Grant Act established the Ohio State University in 1870 as a public agriculture and engineering university. College is best described as a journey with a destination in mind, but there's no GPS and you're blindfolded behind the wheel. Whether through regular campus events, housing and safe spaces, or training opportunities, there is robust support available. Their mission is to create an environment of respect, equity and, social justice through programming, outreach and education. Tufts LGBT and Trans students can opt to visit a separate health care facility. According to U.S. News & World Report, Elon University ranks as the #1 school in the southern region of the country. Adequate health services that provide counseling and gender-affirming treatment are also important factors. They offer defined residential communities (DRC), which are hallways where students live with those that share similar interests, and identities. The organization's projects and initiatives are concentrated in five core values: social justice, youth voice and action, empowerment, positive change, and diversity. 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. The Dartmouth College Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL) provides community-specific campus resources to various student populations, including the LGBTQ+ community. 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. It is also recognized as one of the top-ranked schools that generate Fulbright Scholarship beneficiaries. Elon University, a liberal arts school, was established in 1889. Known for one of the nations best campus dining halls, Tufts is also the alma mater of queer icon Tracy Chapman. Typically, 70% of undergraduate students live on campus. University of Delaware ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. NIU ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The Resource Center offers education on being a LGBT and Trans ally. School clubs provide safe spaces and support networks for LGBT students. Organizations involved in this effort include the K-State Sexuality and Gender Alliance, the LGBTQ+ Faculty Staff Alliance, the Gender Collective, and oSTEM. University of Oregon, located in Eugene, OR, is one of the top LGBTQIA+ campuses in Oregon. 1. Fast-forward two and a half centuries, into the new millennium, where Princeton remains true to their principles of justice. diverse students. The Pride Center at Lehigh University has a strong history of consistent development since its first student organization was created in 1972. Center staff are available for consultations to provide support and guidance to the LGBTQ+ community. 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 . The center was created in 1992 as the result of a recommendation from the Select Committee for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. 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 Students connect with faculty members who are already "out" to give them positive guidance. Penn State provides a higher learning platform on its 24 campuses and through its 18 colleges. The Princeton Review regularly ranks Ithaca College as one of the best school in the nation. Housed within the Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons, various programs are available to the community, including identity support, discrimination and bias prevention, and mental health and well-being programs. UPenns library, which began in 1750, has grown to over 6 million books and a budget just about $50 million. State laws and school district policies in many places also protect transgender students from discrimination. This is due to changes and improvements made to the campus climate through the creation of a robust support network for students. Find out how the University of Texas at Dallas creates a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. We want to hear what you have to say! 5. The 1,000-acre campus is a couple of miles north of downtown Columbus. University of Oregon offers a minor in queer studies (QST) under Womens, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. curriculum, teacher training, suicide prevention and transgender students to rate school districts' LGBTQ policies on a three-tier, color-coded scale. 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. 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. Edited by Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. They are the director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the Trans Policy Clearinghouse coordinator for Campus Pride. The Queer Mentoring and Peer Program provides peer support as students navigate the college experience alongside sexual orientation and identity. expression. 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. Image Credit: Gabriel Trujillo / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, 2023 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company, #1 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #2 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #3 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #4 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #5 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #6 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #7 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #8 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #9 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #10 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #11 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #12 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #13 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #14 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #15 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #16 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #17 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #18 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #19 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #20 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #21 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #22 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #23 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #24 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, #25 The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students, The Public Ivies, Little Ivies, and Other Ivy League Equivalents, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Helping LGBTQ+ Students Choose the Right College, Campus Pride National Scholarship Database, Effective LGBTQ+ Strategies for a Safer, More Welcoming Campus, Transgender Membership in Fraternities and Sororities and Title IX, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Graduate students can also participate in OUTgrads, LGBTQ+Med Alliance, OUTLaw, and other academic communities for support and guidance. They have gender inclusive restrooms and gender inclusive housing. They provide space for all members of the Duck community to explore their identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. 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. The Galerstein Gender Center (GGC) has been part of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion since 1996. NAU also provides gender-inclusive housing to allow for transgender and gender-questioning students to experience a safe alternative to gender binary housing. 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). Brown University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. University of Oklahoma ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. 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. They promote inclusion and support of LGBTQA science and engineering students in College Park. More than 75% of their student body includes members of their high schools top 10% graduating class. Intentional gender neutral language, or explicit non-discrimination policies, create penalties for hate speech or discrimination, whether students are abusing other students, or faculty abuse their power in the classroom. Connecticut College's LGBTQIA Center was founded in 2007 by a group of students in conjunction with a faculty member. UNK ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. LGBTQ+ youth activists who have overcome different hardships and struggles. 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 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 primary objective is to enhance awareness of the many issues faced by those who wish to live as their authentic selves in a less traditional gender identity. 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. The city with the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals per population was San Francisco. UPenns SafeZones program is an exemplary model used by other LGBT schools. 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. 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. 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 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. Abilene Christian University American Indian College Anderson University Andrews University Appalachian Bible College Arizona Christian University Arlington Baptist University Asbury Theological Seminary Asbury University Azusa Pacific University Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary Baylor University Belmont Abbey College Purdue University ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The center, founded in 1999, supports both the academic and social needs of the community and its allies. The center staff provides referrals for campus resources such as counseling, the Kearney S.A.F.E. The center provides holistic and transformative opportunities for student, faculty, and staff members. It exists to develop, support, and give "voice and action" in building future LGBTQ+ and ally student leaders. Penn State launched the World Campus just before the turn of the 21st century. It warns that "the spread of . However, schools can make a difference. The LGBTQ+ Student Development Program at Towson University was created to cultivate leadership, career development, and organizational involvement through various programs, events, and services. The program support includes health and wellness initiatives, crisis response, and academic and social support groups. Graduates can opt to join Elons LGBTQIA Alumni association. LGBTQ+ Sex Ed in Classrooms. Whether to use the "women's" or "men's" restroom due to . They gain a broader understanding of how health, family difficulties and LGBTQ issues play out across an individuals life span. 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. Benjamin Franklin founded the University of Pennsylvania in 1740. The LGBTQ Center at Montclair State University provides educational and engagement opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies on campus. SDSU creates and strengthens an inclusive and affirming space and environment for persons of all sexual and gender identities and their allies. Gender neutral dorms are available for those students currently transitioning. In 2017, the number graduates who had earned a degree from Ohio State neared 750,000. THE LGBTQ Center maintains a library of resources and historical artifacts related to key moments in the history of the community. Unique opportunities include the Lavender Leadership Honor Society, the #TransTerps project, and the Rainbow Terrapin Network. The Terrapins value a strong understanding of diversity. The office also provides connections to community activism and support programs. Throughout primary school and college, students who identify as LGBTQ are more susceptible to bullying, social isolation, and even physical assault. Center staff are available for consultations to provide support and guidance to the LGBTQ+ community. They advocate and celebrate those identities that continue to be marginalized. The TReC meets one on one with students to help them navigate gender identity struggles within the community. IU Bloomington offers gender neutral housing that allows LGBT students to live their authentic selves on campus. Stanford University ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. There are a number of characteristics to look for on a college campus that supports LGBTQ+ students. Campus Pride National Scholarship Database, Effective LGBTQ Strategies for a Safer, More Welcoming Campus, Transgender Membership in Fraternities and Sororities and Title IX. They host a InQueery Symposium which features a speaker and student presentations related to LGBTQ+. Some of Tufts Universitys programs are affiliated with the nearby schools of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. GSAs are made up of students of any sexual orientation or gender identity, not just gay students. Various student organizations provide opportunities for participation in social justice and other activities. Courses focus on all the emerging LGBT subcultures and identities from a big picture, and science and philosophy behind LGBT identities, literature, laws, and healthcare. Center, or Title IX concerns. The campus also provides LGBTQ+-friendly housing and all-gender restrooms and locker rooms, as well as healthcare and educational materials. 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 . 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. 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. Their mission is to proactively foster academic (and personal) success by building a campus that understands and appreciates LGBT students, faculty and alumni issues. American University ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. The University of Colorado at Boulder was established in 1876 five months before Colorado became a state. The counseling center provides confidential assistance. 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. A public school system was not required to accommodate the religious beliefs of a teacher by permitting him to call students by only their last names when he wouldn't call transgender. in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. The Queer Mentoring and Peer Program provides peer support as students navigate the college experience alongside sexual orientation and identity. The GIESOPRC has multiple resources and guides for those who would like to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, HMC provides gender inclusive housing options. 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. It has a campus Pride Center. The GGC provides support to the LGBTQ+ community through specialized advising, training, lectures, workshops, and celebratory advocacy. The GSRC provides peer-facilitated first-year discussion groups, gender support discussion groups, a peer educator program, Out in STEM, and the Q'nnections mentorship program. A Vermont girls high school basketball team forfeited out of the Vermont Division IV state tournament after refusing to play against a team that includes a transgender player. The LGBTQ Student Center hosts a number of student organizations for its diverse populations. The Queer Resource Center began in 2003 as a response to the need for support and protection for the LGBTQ+ community. Its also a proud home of Pride, dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe environment for all LGBT students. 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 Health insurance is provided to cover gender confirmation surgery and hormone therapy. Her work focuses on training healthcare pro Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, writer, and editor. The Health Center provides counseling as well as wellness promotion and gender-affirming support. This ranking, in partnership with Campus Pride, looks at the top 25 LGBTQ+-friendly colleges. The Gay Liberation Front chapter at the University of Michigan created the Spectrum Center in 1971, to support their LGBTQ+ community. They have gender inclusive housing such as residence halls for individuals that do not conform to male or female gender. Macalester has been ranked one of CCs best River and Lake Colleges. 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 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 Office of LGBTQIA Education and Engagement at Texas Tech University focuses on leadership and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Its belief is that support for the LGBTQ+ community requires intentional support for all historically excluded communities. 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. Unique opportunities include the Lavender Leadership Honor Society, the #TransTerps project, and the Rainbow Terrapin Network. The center connects members of the LGBTQ+ community to other resources, both on campus and nationally. Whether it is through regular campus events, housing and safe spaces, or training opportunities, there is robust support available. Ithaca Colleges campus pride can been seen by their addition of the LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services center. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Equity Center serves all LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff at the university. Select the state for the schools in your area. Harvey Mudd offers remarkable workshops and sponsors events on their shared campuses. You can find information about some of these laws or policies on NCTE's School Action Center. University of Pennsylvania ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Results Overall, 1.8% of youth identified as transgender. It also hosts speakers, film series, receptions, and other social gatherings. Students can live with a student of any gender identity. 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. Open since 1982, the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania was created as a response to homophobic incidents occurring on campus. 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. All students should ensure their institution of choice is a good fit for them, but LGBTQ+ students have additional details to consider. It is considered a top research university. Workshops and professional development with experts can help to ensure that your school is inclusive, safe, and affirming for LGBTQ youth. 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). Multiple residence halls provide gender-inclusive housing and student activities coordinated by Guilford College Pride. CU Boulder ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Open since 1982, the LGBTQ+ Center at the University of Pennsylvania was created as a response to homophobic incidents occurring on campus. Lambda Legal is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Some consider Indiana University Bloomington to be a Public Ivy school. 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. Mid Vermont Christian School in Junction had been . It has received a five star rating in the LGBT Friendly Campus Climate Index. Students have the ability to show their LGBTQ+ classmates they are welcome and safe within campus halls. Online learning opportunities also allow involvement with easier access. 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. 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. Title IX applies to all schools (including both K-12 schools and colleges) that get federal money, including nearly all public schools. Partnerships with campus offices allow the center to leverage existing expertise into workshops, presentations, and conferences on topics affecting the community. Find out which schools made our list for best colleges for LGBTQ+ students in each state. The program connects community members to campus and local resources for support. The QRC encourages building relationships and support systems to embolden every individual to have a positive experience, become a responsible member of the community, and grow as an individual. The center connects with local community groups to provide enrichment opportunities for its members. 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. How Important is the LSAT to Law School Admissions? Their mission is to create a campust where everyone has a chance to explore who they and who they wish to be. They do this through increasing awareness, leadership development, and various other resources. The directory also provides access to community outreach, advocacy, and activism opportunities available for further participation. UT Dallas ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The center works closely with other campus identity centers to achieve this goal. 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 The Queer Student Resources (QSR) office creates spaces for students of all genders and sexualities to feel safe.