best high schools for lgbt students

Tell us about life at your school. Center, or Title IX concerns. In support of LGBTQIA students, Augsburg University allows students to select their personal pronoun in their records and registration for use in university records. Enlarge this image. It also provides opportunities for allyship through online resources, events, and training. These challenges are related to: their identity, concerns with safety, and a lack of institutional policies to protect them. QST looks at how society and politics shapes sexual and gender expression norms. NIU ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The center works closely with other campus identity centers to achieve this goal. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. The Division of Student Life at UD is committed to creating spaces and activities that foster acceptance and development. They offer all gender campus housing for those who want to live with others regardless of their gender. Support individual transgender and gender . Harvey Milk High School, New York City, US. Campuswide events include an Ithaca Pride walking tour of historically meaningful sites in Ithaca, an important site for LGBTQ+ rights. A girls high school basketball team in Vermont is receiving national headlines after refusing to play against a team with a transgender player in their state tournament game. They are advocates for change in policies and procedures campus wide to be more equitable to LGBTQIA individuals. 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. The Gender + Equality Center houses advocates that cultivate and affirm the rights of LGBTQ+ people and women on campus. Among the LGBT friendly colleges, HMC is one of the most selective, as its acceptance rate is only 13%. These organizations support various initiatives such as appropriate housing communities, restroom facilities, and gender and sexuality resources. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Queer Student Resources (QSR) office creates spaces for students of all genders and sexualities to feel safe. Unique opportunities include the Lavender Leadership Honor Society, the #TransTerps project, and the Rainbow Terrapin Network. Elon is on a mission to create a campus platform where all students are welcomed and included. Other sources of support include identity-affirming care, emergency funds for urgent needs, and housing. University of Oklahoma ranks 4 on the Campus Pride Index. The University of Colorado at Boulder was established in 1876 five months before Colorado became a state. Gender neutral dorms and other forms of gender inclusive housing, for instance, allow transgender students to find a housing situation where they can be comfortable, just one example of how intentional policies can make for LGBT friendly colleges. The center staff provides referrals for campus resources such as counseling, the Kearney S.A.F.E. The Q Center was created in 2005 as a result of a letter to the University President requesting a safe space for queer students. Other sources of support include identity-affirming care, emergency funds for urgent needs, and housing. 2023 College Consensus | All Rights Reserved. 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. It now offers more than 60 online degrees and certificates. 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 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. New Title IX rules set to assert rights of transgender students. 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. Myth #5: Sex education is inclusive of all students. There are a number of characteristics to look for on a college campus that supports LGBTQ+ students. The list of nearly 200 institutions, most of them religiously affiliated, includes Brigham Young University, Malone University, College of the Ozarks and Lee University. 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. They also include mental health concerns, questions about gender identity, safety concerns due to discrimination, and a lack of institutional protection. 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 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. The Office of LGBTQIA Education and Engagement at Texas Tech University focuses on leadership and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. The counseling center provides confidential assistance. 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. Among middle and high school students at public and private nonreligious schools, this number jumped to 50 percent. The five strategies below provide action-oriented practices that can positively impact your LGBTQ students' experience while they are in school. The policy says students will be treated according to their "biological sex" when it comes to names . Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, KS, is the proud home of the Wildcats. The school offers more than 1,000 various types of student organizations. State laws and school district policies in many places also protect transgender students from discrimination. The goal of this minor is to study sexuality and its complex history and culture. Lehigh has also frequently been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the US, in addition to the most welcoming. IU Bloomington offers gender neutral housing that allows LGBT students to live their authentic selves on campus. A recent report by the Proud and Thriving Project found that LGBTQ+ students experience greater incidences of mental health conditions than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts, making adequate mental health resources critical. The center connects members of the LGBTQ+ community to other resources, both on campus and nationally. 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. The scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $2,500. School alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, Rhodes and Fulbright Scholars and Nobel laureates. Image Credit: RobinOlimb / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images, 2023 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company. The 1,000-acre campus is a couple of miles north of downtown Columbus. Indiana University Bloomington is a public university established in 1820. Students discuss ethical and legal impacts on LGBTQ individuals and their families. It serves to foster a safe campus environment and affirm members of its community. The campus also provides LGBTQ+-friendly housing and all-gender restrooms and locker rooms, as well as healthcare and educational materials. Multiple residence halls provide gender-inclusive housing and student activities coordinated by Guilford College Pride. In 2018, two Elon students produced a documentary which was screened at the NC Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the second largest LBGT film festival in the southeast region of the U.S. Tufts Universitys LGBT Center was established in the early 1990s to act as a social and educational hub for LGBT alumni and students. 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 . Additionally, HMC provides gender inclusive housing options. The Princeton Review regularly ranks Ithaca College as one of the best school in the nation. In 1995, Massachusetts became the first state to ask high schoolers in its state-level health survey. UW ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The Public Ivies, Little Ivies, and Other Ivy League Equivalents, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, State Ranking Methodology for LGBTQ+ Friendly Colleges, Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Colleges in Each State, The Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Life's, Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services, Office of Inclusion: Multicultural & LGBTQIA Student Services, Gender + Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC), The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Equity Center, Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Life Office, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $49,070, School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $55,822, School Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $57,112, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $56,540, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $55,605, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $53,070, School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $37,920, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $45,274, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $9,735, School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $56,340, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $56,062, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $5,654, School Accreditation: Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $10,018, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $9,466, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $6,462, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $51,870, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $9,208, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $52,857, School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $13,442, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $57,324, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $10,728, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $12,730, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $11,732, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $8,824, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $50,400, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $16,212, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $6,090, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $6,299, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $4,788, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $51,156, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $7,412, School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $16,392, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $10,370, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $7,361, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $50,800, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $36,010, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $54,250, Annual Undergraduate Tuition, In-State: $8,976. According to MIYHS data, 5.5 percent of high schoolers identified as LG or B in 2009, 5.8 percent in 2011, 5.9 percent in 2013, and 7.9 percent in 2015. Annual scholarships for LGBTQ students in financial need or coming from an LGBTQ-lacking youth community. Despite the recent legalization of gay marriage, the LGBT youth of America still face unwanted discrimination in and out of school. Other courses address sex related issues, including sexual abuse and intimacy issues. NAU also provides gender-inclusive housing to allow for transgender and gender-questioning students to experience a safe alternative to gender binary housing. 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. 3 In 2014, young gay and bisexual Whether it is through regular campus events, housing and safe spaces, or training opportunities, there is robust support available. Depending on the individual and her/his/their circumstances and environment, the number and degree of challenges will differ. 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 In 2006, Newsweek recognized Tufts as a member of the new Ivy League schools. Ithaca College ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. The Montana State University LGBTQ+ Resource directory provides a comprehensive look into all of the educational and support resources available to the campus community. Students benefit when they can see people who they can relate to in their school and in the curriculum they . Pennsylvania State University was established in 1855 as a land-grant school known as the Farmers High School of Pennsylvania. The Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community provides first-year housing to LGBTQ+ students and all-gender housing opportunities. They allow students to select the name and pronoun that best suits the student to be used on university records and databases. This happens through consultations with center staff, Safe Zone training, and conferences. The directory also provides access to community outreach, advocacy, and activism opportunities available for further participation. The LGBTQ Resource Center at the University of New Mexico began as a student-led initiative in 2010 and has significantly expanded since. States with the highest LGBTQ+ populations include Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. Additionally, the Safe Space program allows the community to learn how to create a safe environment on campus. 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. UW-Eau Claire has a Gender & Sexuality Resource Center dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive campus for all students. The University of Vermont ranks 5 on the Campus Pride Index. Like the Gallup data for adults, MIYHS data show the number of LGBT-identifying students has increased since 2009, but especially since 2017. 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 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 . Edited by Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. On Instagram, alum Gabi Antuna shared a screenshot from the 2021-2022 student handbook about the gender policy. They are committed to cultivating a respectful and affirming climate for all students to realize their full potential. 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. The GSRCs website offers easy access to many resources for students determining their true gender identity. They provide space for all members of the Duck community to explore their identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. by Debbi Johnson-Rais, Ed.D. Is your school on this list? expression. They created an open, supportive campus focused on ending racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia. University of Oregon, located in Eugene, OR, is one of the top LGBTQIA+ campuses in Oregon. 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. 22 school districts were given "top tier" ratings, 80 . Ithaca Colleges campus pride can been seen by their addition of the LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services center. One masters level course, LGBTQ Issues, students are given a foundation and the skills to work with LGBTQ individuals. 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. In a Wall Street Journal survey, corporate recruiters ranked graduates of Penn State #1 in terms of their ability to reach for success when hired. They offer defined residential communities (DRC), which are hallways where students live with those that share similar interests, and identities. See the LGBTQ community page for more resources. Trans or nonbinary students of any background and LGBTQ+ students of color must consider how well their full identities are likely to be supported on campus. Lambda Legal is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy for members of the LGBTQ+ community. It is the 5th oldest university in the United States, with the largest endowment per student. They also provide training and initiatives related to allyship, social justice, and mental health and wellness. 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. At the high school level, counselors are forming LGBTQ support groups to provide outlets for these students to discuss specific issues and concerns. Lola Rossi, a student at Haddon Heights High School in N.J., with the. LGBTQ+ Youth in Crisis: Best Practices Webinar LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other/questioning) students, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, and especially those students who live at the intersection of those identities, experience significant disparities compared to their peers. Other initiatives include workshops, leadership programs, and student organizations. In 2017, the number graduates who had earned a degree from Ohio State neared 750,000. 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. Cobretti's research and writing focuses on the experiences of historically excluded students and faculty and staff in higher education. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. LGBTQ+ Sex Ed in Classrooms. $10,000 (INR 8.2 Lakhs) Markowski-Leach Scholarships. Adequate health services that provide counseling and gender-affirming treatment are also important factors. LGBT friendly colleges are critical for the safety and well-being of gay, lesbian, trans, and nonconforming young people all over the nation. . Rachel Stonecipher, who taught English at MacArthur High . The Center provides a location for study and programming and a resource library for the community. More than 75% of their student body includes members of their high schools top 10% graduating class. Its a little objective and a little subjective, and always open for debate.