rainbow connection: serving lgbt students in higher education
TRANSCRIPT
The Rainbow Connection
Serving LGBT Students in Higher Education
Matthew P. CiszekApril 22, 2013
Penn State Shenango Faculty Lecture Series
Source: Baranclesdublingalway on Flickr
INTRODUCTION
Source: brainflakes on Flickr
The Alphabet Soup
LGBT
GLBTLGBTQ
LGBTA
LGBTQQIASource: revbean on Flickr
The “Standard” Terms
LesbianGay
BisexualTransgender
Source: ericwagner on Flickr
Emerging Terminology
QueerGenderqueerIntersexPansexualHeterosexist/heterosexismCisgender/Cisist/cisismHeteronormative/Cisnormative
LGBT COMMUNITY AND HIGHER EDUCATION
Source: wallyg on Flickr
Push for Diversity
Diversity has become a goal of higher ed in past 40 years
Diverse points of view enrich the educational experience
Furthering social justice and socioeconomic equality
Centrality in mission statements, strategic plans, and educational priorities
Source: OregonDOT on Flickr
State of Diversity in IHEs
Support for “historically underrepresented” groups
These groups include racial minorities, ethnic minorities, and women
Only beginning to consider the how to support and represent other groups
Source: nathangibbs on Flickr
Shifting Perceptions
Multiculturalism on Campus (2011):Diversity and multicultural climate is the
responsibility of whole institution“One’s cultural identity is more than ethnicity
or race” “Gender, age, religion, geographic identity,
and sexual orientation are equally part of the makeup of a multicultural individual”
Source: zamber on Flickr
Changing Demographics
Typical age at which LGBT people come out is dropping
Increase in support groups and services geared toward LGBT teens
Younger generations more accepting of LGBT people and supportive of LGBT rights
Source: zooboing on Flickr
Cultural Shifts
Wider acceptance of LGBT community in society
IHEs recognizing LGBT students in the admissions process
LGBT students coming to college expecting support/services
Recognition that LGBT narrative adds to well-rounded curriculum
Harsh Realities
LGBT teens face higher rates of depression and suicide
LGBT teens less likely to go to college than straight peers
Although support exists, many LGBT students unaware of or hesitant to use it
Heteronormative narrative dominates, and heterosexist attitudes abound
Source: mykalburns on Flickr
SERVING LGBT STUDENTS
Source: truebritl on Flickr
Cardinal Rules
1. Make no assumptions.2. Know your students.3. Develop relationships.4. Engage with “non-normative” groups.5. Develop programs/services widely.6. Improve terminology and discourse.7. Embrace change!
Source: stevensnodgrass on Flickr
Best Practices
Creation of “safe spaces” in the classroom where LGBT students can have open discussion
Inclusion of LGBT themes in curriculum or classroom instruction
Training faculty/staff on sensitivity and awareness of LGBT issues
Partnering with campus LGBT groups and resource centers
Developing a minor in LGBT/Queer StudiesSource: fireflythegreat on Flickr
Campus Climate
Campus Pride, Inc. advocates for more inclusive educational experiences that are “welcoming and respectful of LGBT and Ally people”
Campus Climate Index gives ratings for IHEs on “friendliness” toward LGBT/allies
Campus Pride provides resources and research for faculty and student affairs staff
Source: johhlegear on Flickr
Penn State University
Commission on LGBT EquityLGBTA Student Resource CenterLGBT Support Network“Straight Talks”, Workshops, and Other
ProgrammingSexuality and Gender Studies Minor
Source: pennstatelive on Flickr
University Libraries
LGBT Resource GuideLGBT Databases and CollectionsSelector for LGBT MaterialsUniversity Libraries Diversity CommitteeLGBT Collections/Services at Campuses
Penn State Shenango
Rainbow Lions/Shenango GSADiversity-related CoursesENGL 245: Introduction to Gay and Lesbian
StudiesLGBT Support NetworkLGBT-related Programming/Services
QUESTIONS?
Source: jamison on Flickr
