1. JCU Que(e)ry: An Examination of Attitudes
on Campus Surrounding LGBTQ Issues
Literature Review
•Key findings of a national survey conducted by Rankin (2004)
indicated that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ)
respondents experience higher rates of harassment and
discrimination than their heterosexual allies (Tetreault, Fette,
Meidlinger and Hope, 2013).
•Other studies have shown that sexual minorities encounter
unique challenges due to their sexual orientation, gender identity,
or gender expression that often prevents them from achieving
their full academic potential or participating fully in the campus
community (Rankin, 2005).
•Yost and Gilmore (2011) found that most studies which assessed
climate for LGBTQ people have not been comprehensive; most
have not utilized random samples, but have instead oversampled
certain groups (e.g., student life administrators [Brown, Clarke,
Gortmaker, & Robinson-Keilig, 2004], LGBTQ students [Brown
et al., 2004; Waldo, 1998], or lesbian students [Tomlinson &
Fassinger, 2003]). Published studies also focus predominantly on
large universities (Brown et al., 2004; D’Augelli, 1992;
Tomlinson & Fassinger, 2003; Waldo 1998).
Research Statement
•This study investigates the perception of bias and discrimination
of LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer)
faculty, staff, and students at John Carroll University.
Method
•This qualitative-quantitative design incorporates the use of
current students faculty, staff, and administration from John
Carroll University who completed a 152 question survey using
Qualtrics, an online survey software. The study has recently been
approved by the IRB at JCU and we are in the recruitment phase.
•Questions ranged from closed and open-ended, to matrices and
ratings of emotions and even story-based essays regarding
personal experiences.
•Convenience sampling (i.e., snowball sampling) will used in
order to get the most people to participate. Additionally, the
psychology pool will be utilized for data collection.
Original Que(e)ry
References
• Lockhart, Jeff (2012). Findings of the Fordham Que(e)ry:
Report to the Fordham University Community. Queery
•Rankin, S. R. (2005). Campus climates for sexual
minorities. New Directions For Student Services, (111),
17-23.
•Tetreault, Patricia A., Fette, Ryan, Meidlinger, Peter C.,
Hope, Debra (2013). Perception of Campus
Climate by Sexual Minorities, Journal of
Homoseuxality, 60(7), 947-964.
•Woodford, Michael (2015) Academic and Social
Integration on Campus Among Sexual Minority
Students: The Impacts of Psychological and
Experiential Campus Climate, American Journal Of
Community Psychology 55 (1-2) 13-24.
•Yost, M. R., & Gilmore, S. (2011). Assessing LGBTQ
Campus Climate and Creating Change. Journal Of
Homosexuality 58(9), 1330-1354.
Taylor Hartman, Undergraduate; Dr. Tracy Masterson, Department of Psychological
Sciences
• Nearly 50% of the 200 students of the original study reported hearing
remarks that made them feel “unsafe unwelcome or uncomfortable” and
nearly 25% had heard about students receiving threats of violence for their
sexual or gender identity (Que(e)ry, 2012).
• When 135 students were asked about the resources that they would feel
comfortable reaching out to, nearly 25% said campus ministry, a coach and
office of residence life were “not at all comfortable” (Que(e)ry, 2012).
JCU Que(e)ry: A Replication Study
• All questions have been tailored to John Carroll standards in regards to
asking about campus resources and in questions relating to incidents of
negative events on campus. Furthermore, some questions will only be
presented to students who indicated that they have had specific answers.
Survey questions and wording were adapted from a study at Fordham
University in order to maintain consistency and allow results to be
comparable across sites.
• The current study represents a collaborative effort between John Carroll
University and other Jesuit institutions (with the original study and
questionnaire (Que(e)ry) initiated at Fordham University).
• Study Link: https://johncarroll.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?
SID=SV_5yEjjDZhedmnq3r
Purpose
• This study is being conducted as a means to gage the campus climate for
sexual minorities from the perspective of the entire JCU community. While
the researchers would like to believe that students, faculty, and staff are
utilizing the efforts put forth by the university, however, under-reporting of
discrimination occurs far more often then expected. In order to counter the
phenomenon, this study hopes to create a better understanding of LGBTQ
experiences in efforts to improve campus inclusivity, programming, and
faculty and staff training.
• Considering recent programming such as the “Stop Bias” and the “Safe
Space” campaign, the university is striving the make campus welcoming and
safe for all students.
• With that being said, this study aims to analyze the university’s LGBTQ
inclusiveness so that the results may be used to improve current programing
and trainings as well as affect new campus wide climate to meet the needs of
LGBTQ students and faculty. As prior research demonstrates, individuals
who identify as LGBTQ experience more discrimination and it is critical to
assess the climate at JCU formally.
Insight and Importance of
Assessment
•The results will be used to infer the attitudes and
perceptions of behaviors and morale of not only LGBTQ
students and faculty, but of their allies as well.
•Previous research indicates that, compared to those from
socially dominant groups, individuals from marginalized
groups tend to be more aware of negative campus climate
for their own group. These negative cognitions these
findings suggest that marginalized students experience
stress resulting from the perception of a hostile social
environment, which can increase their risk for negative
outcomes (Woodford & Kulick, 2015).
•Future development in an institution like John Carroll can
benefit by creating more research to assess students,
faculty, staff and administration experiences and attitudes
toward LGBTQ populations. Furthermore, this available
data at hand may help to create a more encouraging and
structured environment for LGBTQ minorities.