best high schools for lgbt students
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 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. Washington State University, located in Pullman, WA, is one of the top 31 LGBT friendly universities. THe WVU LGBTQ+ Commission works with the center to monitor institutional procedures to ensure protection. It is also a resource center for survivors of sexual violence, assault, or domestic abuse. They advocate and celebrate those identities that continue to be marginalized. The list of nearly 200 institutions, most of them religiously affiliated, includes Brigham Young University, Malone University, College of the Ozarks and Lee University. School clubs provide safe spaces and support networks for LGBT students. The Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community provides first-year housing to LGBTQ+ students and all-gender housing opportunities. Mid Vermont Christian School in Junction had been . Support individual transgender and gender . The LGBTQ Center offers various resources for LGBTQ students, including student organizations and the Safe Space program. Students have the opportunity to create and design their preferred interdisciplinary coursework/degree. There are factors to consider when choosing an LGBTQ+-friendly college. Several events are organized each year through the Pride Alliance, but special interest groups, such as WashU Athlete Ally, oSTEM, Transcending Gender, and WashU Ace & Aro offer various options. 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. University of Oregon offers a minor in queer studies (QST) under Womens, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Graduate students can also participate in OUTgrads, LGBTQ+Med Alliance, OUTLaw, and other academic communities for support and guidance. 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. 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 One of Tufts Universitys earliest benefactors was none other than P.T. 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 Northern Arizona University LGBTQIA Commission is an organization that provides support to all students, faculty, and staff at the university. The organization provides speakers from the community to present in classes, residence halls, or other events. Like the Gallup data for adults, MIYHS data show the number of LGBT-identifying students has increased since 2009, but especially since 2017. Partnerships with campus offices allow the center to leverage existing expertise into workshops, presentations, and conferences on topics affecting the community. in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. 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. Purdue University ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. UW-Eau Claire Blugolds have launched meaningful careers upon graduation for a century. They create a network and opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ campus community. Ithaca College is a private college founded in 1892. The Princeton Review regularly ranks Ithaca College as one of the best school in the nation. 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 center works to create a welcoming climate through advocacy, education, and community-building. Their mission is to create a campust where everyone has a chance to explore who they and who they wish to be. Off-campus community groups also create strong partnerships for the campus community. Ithaca Colleges LGBT center was established in 2001 and continues to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for LGBT students and their allies. The university offers gender inclusive restrooms and locker rooms. Ithaca College has set up all-gender restrooms across the campus. Among middle and high school students at public and private nonreligious schools, this number jumped to 50 percent. Peer support from LGBTQ+ organizations or mentorship programs can offer a safe space to explore identity or socialize with like-minded individuals. They have a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Student Services working to improve the campus environment for all students. The QSR provides programming for members of various communities such as Black queer and trans students and queer and trans people of color, academic-focused programs, and queer faith-based initiatives. Penn State is considered one of the most LGBT friendly colleges as it includes all-gender restrooms and gender inclusive housing. New Jersey is among four states that passed laws mandating that public schools incorporate LGBTQ-inclusive curriculums. One such DRC is Spectrum, which supports the rights and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual people and their allies. GLSEN serves K-12 students, and you will know best which activities and lessons will meet your students' needs. The GSRC fosters a supportive environment with intellectual, personal, and cultural programming. They gain a broader understanding of how health, family difficulties and LGBTQ issues play out across an individuals life span. In 2006, the Princeton LGBT Center opened as a symbol of their campus pride.This center provided the necessary resources for those on an exploration path to discover their own sexuality. Resources include workshops on inclusive language, gender in art, and trans rights. Policies or organizations that work for one college may not work for another, so defining LGBT friendly colleges means sorting through and analyzing. The University of Washington was founded in 1861. LGBT students can study International Affairs, Finance, Engineering, Architecture, Theology, the Social and Natural Sciences, among other majors. Get the BestColleges ranking seal. Various campus and legal services are also available for support and engagement. When she started going through . It is also recognized as one of the top-ranked schools that generate Fulbright Scholarship beneficiaries. NAU also provides gender-inclusive housing to allow for transgender and gender-questioning students to experience a safe alternative to gender binary housing. 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). Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Unique opportunities include the Lavender Leadership Honor Society, the #TransTerps project, and the Rainbow Terrapin Network. University of Utah ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. We believe in education, inspiration, and inclusion in all programs and events. 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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 top cities were New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, followed by San Francisco and Miami. The counseling center provides confidential assistance. The office connects individuals to external non-profit advocacy in the greater D.C. area. THE LGBTQ Center maintains a library of resources and historical artifacts related to key moments in the history of the community. State laws and school district policies in many places also protect transgender students from discrimination. The LGBTQ+ Culture Center at Indiana University-Bloomington provides support to members of its LGBTQ+ community that includes scholarships, educational resources, and other support services. The center was created in 1992 as the result of a recommendation from the Select Committee for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. The LGBTQ Student Center at the University of Miami provides the community a breadth of both virtual and face-to-face options for support. Cobretti's research and writing focuses on the experiences of historically excluded students and faculty and staff in higher education. There are almost a dozen student groups catering to LGBTQIA+ and the challenges they face. Whether to use the "women's" or "men's" restroom due to . The Center provides a location for study and programming and a resource library for the community. 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. Its a little objective and a little subjective, and always open for debate. MAC voluntarily participates in the Allies Project; a campus model that creates and trains LGBT support faculty, staff and students. The All-Gender Community housing is a model community where students of all genders are welcome. The University Counseling Center offers individual and group therapy options and critical care. Vanderbilt University ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. UWs Q Center also includes a lending library, gender discussion groups and blog opportunities for those students seeking a chance to participate to spread their message through two UW-sponsored blogs. 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. Find out how the University of Texas at Dallas creates a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. The center connects with the local community groups to provide enrichment opportunities for its members. The website provides tips on how to get involved, courses on gender and sexuality, health resources, workshops, and events pertinent to the community. The Center provides support through advocacy, community, and celebration. The university regularly participates in LGBTQ+ admission fairs and provides an orientation and mentoring program for first-year students. The Queer Resource Center began in 2003 as a response to the need for support and protection for the LGBTQ+ community. In partnership with Campus Pride, BestColleges presents this list of the most LGBTQ+ friendly colleges in each state. One masters level course, LGBTQ Issues, students are given a foundation and the skills to work with LGBTQ individuals. The Resource Center offers education on being a LGBT and Trans ally. Antonian College Preparatory High School, San Antonio, TX, has adopted a new policy which threatens to expel transgender students. A bias-based bullying prevention program providing LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals. Unique opportunities include the Lavender Leadership Honor Society, the #TransTerps project, and the Rainbow Terrapin Network. LGBT movies and books). Their mission is to create an environment of respect, equity and, social justice through programming, outreach and education. Harvey Mudd offers remarkable workshops and sponsors events on their shared campuses. Los Angeles LGBT Center: Out for Safe School Campaign. The school offers more than 1,000 various types of student organizations. 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. West Point Virginia high school teacher, Peter Vlaming, speaks with attorney's after his case was argued . Connecticut College ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index. They have a Queer Resource Center (QRT) offering resources and programming to support all students at PSU. 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. The Best 388 Colleges Our School Ratings Financial Aid Honor Roll Fire Safety Honor Roll . Anyone looking for information on how to support trans, and gender variant individuals in their lives is welcome. Other courses address sex related issues, including sexual abuse and intimacy issues. The office also provides connections to community activism and support programs. We rank the least LGBTQ-friendly colleges based on ratings and quotes from real students about equality on their 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. 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. It is comprised of nine schools and is considered the flagship university of the University of Colorado state school system. Here are the top-ranked colleges for LGBTQ+ support. Adequate health services that provide counseling and gender-affirming treatment are also important factors. The Queer Mentoring and Peer Program provides peer support as students navigate the college experience alongside sexual orientation and identity. They also allow students to select the pronoun that the student prefers. These organizations support various initiatives such as appropriate housing communities, restroom facilities, and gender and sexuality resources. What does it take to be one of the Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students? The center focuses on the intersectionality of gender, race, religion, and sexuality. Barnum. PSUs Trans Student Resources and Retention Coordinator (TReC) is the contact for resources and services for students identifying as trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and questioning, in addition to students who are intersex. Southern Oregon University, located in Ashland OR, was ranked one of the top 25 LGBT friendly universities. The TReC meets one on one with students to help them navigate gender identity struggles within the community. These institutions rank among the best in their efforts to support and provide academic, financial, and social resources for LGBTQ+ students. This was a foreshadowing of Princeton Universitys egalitarian ethos. It serves the entire UMass community and provides cultural and educational programming, LGBTQIA ally training, a library, information and support. It is the 4th oldest higher learning institution in the country. The center is now available for drop-in appointments, organizational meetings, and studying. 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. Support includes LGBTQIA+ advising, housing, and academic residency programs through Triangle House, a library with specialized resources, and a Partnerships in Pride mentoring program. 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 UT Dallas 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. LGBTQ+ youth activists who have overcome different hardships and struggles. 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. 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.". Ithaca College ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Students learn about the development of LGBTQ identity formation and the coming out process. It serves to foster a safe campus environment and affirm members of its community. 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. The LGBT Center at Tufts University offers a safe space for students to gather, as well as campus-wide programming on sexuality, gender, and discrimination. Lola Rossi, a student at Haddon Heights High School in N.J., with the. 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. "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." The Division of Student Life at UD is committed to creating spaces and activities that foster acceptance and development. 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. Some of Tufts Universitys programs are affiliated with the nearby schools of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. UofL ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. California Colorado Connecticut Illinois Iowa Maryland Massachusetts New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Virginia Washington Washington DC The city with the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals per population was San Francisco. How . They allow students to use a name different than their legal name on their university records. In 2017, the MIYHS added gender identity to the survey. We want to hear what you have to say! It exists to develop, support, and give "voice and action" in building future LGBTQ+ and ally student leaders. The Program for LGBTQ Health connects community members to LGBTQ-competent health providers both on campus and in the local community. The community has on- and off-campus resources available for support. 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 . Cobretti's research and writing focuses on the experiences of historically excluded students and faculty and staff in higher education. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school. UMD College Park ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. 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 His work has been published in the Journal Angelique Geehan founded Interchange, a consulting group offering anti-oppression support. Increased visibility of LGBTQ+ students on campuses has increased the need for support networks. Although the number of LGBTQ+ students attending U.S. colleges is increasing, these students face challenges. Myth #5: Sex education is inclusive of all students. The Stonewall Center offers many other resources for students, such as support, a LGBTQIA+ affirming religious group, and LGBTQIA+ related courses. University of Maryland, located in College Park, MD, is a LGBT friendly college. Start the Survey . Some consider Indiana University Bloomington to be a Public Ivy school. Image Credit: RobinOlimb / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images, 2023 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company. Her work focuses on training healthcare pro Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, writer, and editor. According to the American Council of Education, identity development, campus climate, and policy remain the most critical components of support for LGBTQ+ students. In 2015, Thomas-Reuters ranked UC (28th) among the most innovative educational institutes of higher learning in the world. QST looks at how society and politics shapes sexual and gender expression norms. A Vermont Christian high school forfeited a girls basketball game because the opposing team had a transgender player, the head of school said. The Dartmouth College Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL) provides community-specific campus resources to various student populations, including the LGBTQ+ community. A battle over rainbow stickers at a high school near Dallas has hobbled the Gay-Straight Alliance and left LGBTQ students feeling unsafe. The campus also provides LGBTQ+-friendly housing and all-gender restrooms and locker rooms, as well as healthcare and educational materials. There are many ways for students to get involved at the GSRC, with volunteer or service learning opportunities. The center staff provides referrals for campus resources such as counseling, the Kearney S.A.F.E. According to U.S. News & World Report, Lehigh University ranked 53rd (Tied) among 2019s best 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 purpose of the center is to create an inclusive community on campus. THE LGBTQ Center maintains a library of resources and historical artifacts related to key moments in the history of the community. It has since grown to provide support, learning and research opportunities, and employment and leadership development for LGBTQ+ students. The program support includes health and wellness initiatives, crisis response, and academic and social support groups. The LGBT Center at University of Louisville provides students with a safe space to come together for discussions, advocacy, and to embrace each other's differences. In support of LGBTQIA students, Augsburg University allows students to select their personal pronoun in their records and registration for use in university records. American University in Washington, D.C. provides LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff with significant supportive resources through its Center for Diversity and Inclusion. The 1,000-acre campus is a couple of miles north of downtown Columbus. Dartmouth College ranks 4.5 on the Campus Pride Index.