CampusPride.org released their Top 50 LBGT-friendly universities on Friday. The University of Washington and Washington State University made the Top 50 list receiving 4.5 and 5 stars (out of 5) respectively.
The list looks at several factors in eight separate categories to determine LBGT friendliness – inclusion of LGBT students in campus policies, student support, academic life, student life, counseling and health, recruitment & retention, housing, and campus safety.
Specific factors that helped UW and WSU score so high include:
- LGBT studies program
- Campus police training on sexual orientation issues
- Standing advisory committee that deals with LGBT issues
- Paid staff with responsibilities for LGBT & Ally support services
- Actively participates in LGBT admission fairs
A full report card for each school can be viewed via the links below
In previous years, the group has issued a Top 25 listing of the most LGBT-friendly campuses. Campus Pride expanded the list to 50 this year due to the increased efforts by colleges to make their campuses more LGBT-friendly.