Campus Pride, a nonprofit organization that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and faculty, has released the 2010 State of Higher Education for LGBT People.
The report draws on surveys from 6,000 students, faculty, and staff at colleges across the United States. The respondents described a “chilly” climate on campus that included higher than average rates of harassment and discrimination. Transgendered campus members in particular had negative experiences at their institutions.
The study’s lead author noted that less than 8% of accredited colleges and universities have an inclusive LGBT policy. Such official language both sets an expectation of civility and enables aggrieved students and faculty to seek redress.
Here in the Department of Medicine, we administered a survey about resources for LGBT faculty and patients. The responses show a generally tolerant environment but with additional education needed.