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Supporting LGBTQ+ Students at HBCUs: A Comprehensive Overview
The Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) have collaborated to produce a detailed report on the efforts of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to create inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students. Titled “Modeling Inclusion: HBCUs and LGBTQ+ Support,” the report assesses critical areas such as health and wellness, housing, student life, and admissions policies in institutions like Spelman College, Morehouse College, Bowie State University, Howard University, and North Carolina Central University (NCCU).
Alphonso B. David, president of HRC, noted that while many HBCUs have been advancing inclusive practices for years, this report aims to underscore their ongoing efforts and encourage other institutions to follow suit. “We do not want people to conclude that schools are now, for the very first time, creating inclusive policies,” he stated.
Significantly, Spelman College made history in 2017 by altering its admissions policy to accept transgender women, stating that it would consider for admission individuals who consistently identify and live as women, regardless of their assigned gender at birth.
Morehouse College also updated its admissions policy to include those who self-identify and live as men. However, previous regulations leading to expulsion for transitioning students have since been amended. The college now offers resources to support students who choose to identify differently.
Beyond admissions, the report sheds light on the growing recognition of mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. The American Psychiatric Association has reported that LGBTQ+ individuals are significantly more likely to suffer from mental health issues, making supportive measures in health care crucial. Bowie State University stands out for establishing an LGBTQ+ Center and prioritizing inclusive health care, highlighting the importance of addressing HIV prevention in educational institutions.
NCCU has also integrated support for LGBTQ+ students through resource centers and various organizations like D.O.M.S. and C.O.L.O.R.S, which focus on community building and advocacy. Furthermore, NCCU’s Kaleidoscope program provides inclusive housing options for LGBTQ+ students.
The report recommends that HBCUs consider offering gender-neutral housing and creating designated safe spaces for LGBTQ+ populations. Additionally, it encourages the inclusion of mental health resources and adjustments to academic records to reflect students’ gender identities. Incorporating positive representations of LGBTQ+ individuals in curricula is seen as vital to reducing bias.
Sergio A. Gonzalez, a research associate at CMSI, emphasized the importance of accessibility when it comes to resources for LGBTQ+ students, asserting that simply being enrolled does not guarantee a sense of belonging or potential for success.
David reiterated the positive effects of inclusive practices on retention and academic performance, advocating for policies that allow LGBTQ+ students to thrive and achieve their personal goals. Over the years, HRC has launched initiatives such as #HBCUOutLoud Day, promoting pride and engagement among students, faculty, and staff while encouraging institutions to strive for greater inclusivity.
Another notable event is the National HBCU Leadership Summit, where LGBTQ+ students partake in educational leadership and identity development sessions in Washington, D.C., at no cost. “We really invest heavily in students and building campus power via programs, policy, and protest,” said Leslie Hall, HRC’s HBCU Program director, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fostering change in these institutions.
As HBCUs continue to explore ways to support their diverse student populations, this report serves as a reminder of the vital role they play in promoting acceptance and understanding within the educational landscape.
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