1. The University of Mississippi
MEETING THE NEEDS OF LGBTQ
STUDENTS
N O V E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 4
S H A W N B O D A M E A D , D I R E C T O R
T I M O T H Y K A Y , G R A D U A T E A S S I S T A N T
T H E C E N T E R F O R I N C L U S I O N A N D
C R O S S C U L T U R A L E N G A G E M E N T

2. • Explore our multiple identities and group
memberships
• Recognize the breadth of commonalities and
differences
• Engage in honest dialogue about diversity and
inclusion
• Explore stereotypes and how we can all become
better multicultural educators and social justice
advocates
Workshop Goals

3. • How students experience their campus
environment influences both learning and
developmental outcomes (Pascarella &
Terenzini, 1991, 2005).
• Discriminatory environments have negative
effect on student learning (Cabrera, Nora,
Terenzini, Pascarella, & Hagedgron, 1999).
Why is this topic important?

4. • The unfortunate reality is that few campuses are safe
spaces for LGBTQ students.
– Rankin’s (2010) campus climate data in 2003 showed
that _____% felt their campus was homophobic.
• In 2010 the number Increased/Decreased to ____%.
– Marshal et al. (2008) found that LGB youth were 190%
more likely than heterosexual students to use
substances (drug use and abuse).
– Woodford et al. (in review) found that hearing “that’s so
gay” negatively affected the students perception of being
accepted on campus, increased the frequency of
headaches and of having trouble eating.
Why is this topic important?

5. Challenging Experiences with Campus
Climate
+
Negative Perceptions of Campus Climate
=
Lack of Success for students, faculty, and
staff and Decrease in Persistence and
Retention
Why is this an important topic?

6. • Swathmore College (2011)
• Rutgers University (2010)
• University of Wisconsin - Whitewater(2010)
• Georgetown University (2009)
A Closer Look at Campuses

7. The University of Mississippi
WHAT LESSONS CAN WE
LEARN FROM OTHER
CAMPUSES?

8. Think about and write down 3 things you
can do to create a more inclusive and
affirming campus environment for LBTQ
students:
• What will you STOP doing?
• What will you START doing?
• What will you CONTINUE doing?
Action Planning

9. • Use inclusive language
• Never tolerate abusive language
• Never assume heterosexuality
• Maintain confidentiality within the confines
of your professional responsibilities
• Keep an eye out for bullying and act to stop
it
• Respect the needs and wishes of LGBTQ
students
12 Keys to Creating an Inclusive Campus
for LGBTQ Students

10. • Respect the needs and wishes of Transgender
students
• Encourage respectful disagreement on issues of
sexual identity
• Don’t ask people to speak for an entire group
• Examine your curriculum
• Recognize that you’re not an expert. You will
make mistakes and occasionally be insensitive.
• Acknowledge that building an inclusive
community is better for everyone, and fight to
make it a school-wide priority.
12 Keys to Creating an Inclusive Campus
for LGBTQ Students

11. • Partnerships
– Human Rights Campaign
• Programs
– Bias Incident Response Reporting
– Allies or Safe Zone Training
– Queer Camp
– Student Organizations/Alliances
– LGBTQ History Month
Best Practices
What are you doing on your campus?

12. The University of Mississippi
T H A N K Y O U F O R Y O U R A C T I V E
P A R T I C I P A T I O N !
S H A W N B O D A M E A D , D I R E C T O R
T I M O T H Y K A Y , G R A D U A T E A S S I S T A N T
C E N T E R F O R I N C L U S I O N A N D
C R O S S C U L T U R A L E N G A G E M E N T
I N C L U S I O N @ O L E M I S S . E D U
S D M E A D @ O L E M I S S . E D U
T D K A Y @ G O . O L E M I S S . E D U
6 6 2 - 9 1 5 - 1 6 8 9
S T E W A R T H A L L 1 0 1 A
@ U M I n c l u s i o n