This is the 7th consecutive year SDSU makes the Top 30 LGBTQ-friendly universities.
San Diego State University has been named among the best universities in the nation for supporting LGBT students. The University was recently ranked on The Campus Pride Index’s 2016 “Best of the Best” Top 30 list of LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities.
Other universities to appear on the list include Princeton University and Cornell University.
The Campus Pride Index is a tool that compares LGBT-friendly policies, programs and practices on college campuses. Each campus updates its index annually and uses the Campus Pride benchmarking tool to make improvements for LGBTQ life on campus.
SDSU President Elliot Hirshman said, ‘We are proud and excited about Campus Pride’s ranking of SDSU as one of our nation’s most LGBTQ-friendly universities. This recognition is a tribute to the efforts of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters who ensure that our campus is a community where all are valued and respected.”
The resources for LGBT students at SDSU have been expanding in recent years. Students have been able to minor in LGBT studies since 2009 and in 2012 the university began offering a major in LGBT studies. This program is the second of its kind in the country and recently received a $100,000 endowed gift from San Diego donor David Gubser.
Mr. Gubser also committed an additional $100,000 to SDSU’s Pride Center.
Opened in 2014, the center provides resources and support services to assist students in their process of sexual and gender self-identity development.
The center aims to foster campus-wide dialogue about education, awareness, intellectual exploration, understanding and research on issues related to sexuality and gender.
The university established SafeZones@SDSU in 2007 to work on ensuring a campus atmosphere that is welcoming, informative, educational, and safe for all LGBTQ students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the campus community.
The program offers an Ally Training Program. Participants are taught to become effective listeners, capable of offering referrals, support, and foster a proactive campus climate.
There are numerous events staged through the program including National Coming Out Day and the Lavender Graduation ceremony for students who openly identify as LGBTQ.
SDSU students also have the opportunity to join a number of LGBT-friendly student groups including the LGBT Student Union and the queer based social sorority Gamma Rho Lambda.
Students, faculty and staff also celebrate San Diego Pride Week by hosting a Rainbow Flag Raising Ceremony at the beginning of San Diego Pride Week to ring in a week of LGBT-friendly festivities.
Vice President of Student Affairs, Eric Rivera, said, “When students feel accepted and welcomed, they have the capacity to grow academically and personally. Combined, SDSU’s curriculum, policies, programs and practices establish the foundation for all students to make connections and build community, which creates an affinity to the university long after graduation.”