UMN Is Among The Top 20 Colleges For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Transgender Students

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL - The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, has been selected as one of the nation's top 20 best colleges and universities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, according to the Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students released today. The guide also lists the University of Minnesota, Duluth, as one of the 100 best campuses for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. The guide, published by Alyson books, is available at amazon.com and will be in bookstores on Aug. 15.
“That two of our campuses have been chosen among the top 100 says a lot about the university's system-wide commitment to improving the climate for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and allied students,” said Anne Phibbs, system-wide director of the university's GLBT Programs Office. “We're a national model on how to serve GLBT students, faculty, staff, alums and visitors,” Phibbs said.
To be in the top 20 in the United States means that university's Twin Cities campus is among the best of the best in achieving the most outstanding accomplishments for LGBT progressiveness, said guide author Shane Windmeyer.
“The U of M is in the forefront of GLBT campus organizing and has been a pioneer in addressing issues of sexual orientation and gender identity within higher education,” Phibbs said.
Phibbs, who has served as the university's GLBT programs director since January, credits the students, staff and faculty who came before her with doing the work that has made the university a national model.
“A lot of work has been done, but we still have work to do throughout the U of M system. We want to get all of our campuses in the top 100,” Phibbs said.
The GLBT Programs Office is dedicated to improving campus climate for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people at the University of Minnesota and to addressing the harmful effects of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identification. The GLBT Programs Office achieves this goal by providing information and referrals, offering advocacy, and providing opportunities for education and community-building.
Campus PrideNet, a volunteer-driven network for and by student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students, created the guide, which is the first comprehensive guide for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students.
The guide profiles 100 colleges and universities that offer resources and create a positive living and learning environment for LGBT students. Nearly 700 universities and colleges were nominated for the honor. The top 100 were selected for the guide based on policies, institutional commitment and support, academic life, housing, student life, counseling and health efforts, campus safety and recruitment and retention offers.
The guide provides basics on academic programs, student life, tuition and campus contacts. It also includes details about student groups; out students, faculty and staff; housing; LGBT studies courses; gay-friendly resources on campus and the social scene.
from University Of Minnesota News