WSU Designated as Top 100 School for LGBT Students

PULLMAN, Wash. — As far as feeling accepted and supported as a gay or lesbian college student, a new book says Washington State University is among the nation’s best places to be. 

Billed as the first and only guide for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered) students on finding the right college, “The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students” hit bookstores this month highlighting the best 100 colleges and universities that offer resources and create a positive living and learning environment for LGBT students.

Established in 1994, Washington State University’s Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center is the oldest program of its type in the State of Washington. Center Director Heidi Stanton believes WSU’s inclusion in this book gives credibility to the work they are doing on behalf of students. “I think being included in the top 100 means that our program has kept its edge and the work we do on this campus to protect and empower our students does matter,” she said.

Author Shane L. Windmeyer, in conjunction with the National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resources in Higher Education, received nominations from 680 campuses and conducted more than 5,500 online interviews with current LGBT students, faculty and staff. Respondents were asked about their campus’ policies, institutional commitment, academic life, housing, student life, counseling and health efforts, safety, and recruitment and retention efforts.

“The top 100 colleges and universities profiled in ‘The Advocate College Guide’ lead the way for the rest of higher education to be LGBT-friendly. These campuses take to heart the value of supporting all students,” said Windmeyer.

Like so many LGBT students across the nation, those at WSU are not immune to discriminatory actions and sometimes face unique challenges. But Stanton is proud of the progress the university has made in addressing those challenges.

“Certainly there is room for change, room for growth,” she said. “This campus is much better than it was eight years ago and I am very pleased with the difference. I think it is that difference that enabled WSU to shine as one of the top 100.”