LGBTQ students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities may face different challenges than those at other colleges and universities. This article highlights some efforts involving HBCUs and thoughts regarding the LGBTQ climate at a variety of campuses.
Current Climate
The current climate for LGBTQ students at HBCUs is currently not ideal. No HBCU is currently listed on Campus Pride’s Campus Climate Index. Kevin Booker, Assistant Director of Student Life at Morehouse College says that his college has “still a ways to go”. Ronald Myles, Director of Student Activities at Tennessee State University stated that they had a LGBTQ group in the past, “but as leaders graduated, the group dissolved.” Currently of the 106 HBCUs, only ~21% or 22 host LGBTQ organizations.
Overall, the general climate received from these interviews, was one of tolerance and welcome. Sandra Carter, Acting Associate VP of Student Affairs at the University of the District of Columbia stated that the university “celebrates diversity.” Booker stated that the general climate is “open [with a] high level of tolerance for LGBT population.” He stated that they have an organization called SafeSpace that is over 5 years old.
Effect of the Election of President Obama
From coast to coast, one may cite the hope that the election of Barack Obama has brought to communities. At TSU and Morehouse, this is no exception.
Myles at TSU, stated that Obama would “bring a positive change to the university.” Booker
Stated that “optimism is high.” Carter of UDC, stated, “if any effect, it will be positive.” She stated that, “the university is hopeful that we’re realizing the dream that we are all equal.”
Obama, as one may note, is the first President to include an openly LGBTQ group in his parade. Gaskins, Diversity Student Coordinator at the Human Rights Campaign, stated Obama “may influence life on campus” and is “vocal for support for LGBT community”, when asked about the impact of the election of Obama on HBCUs.
Jarrett Lucas, Director of Outreach for Soulforce Q, responded to this question based on his experience with Equality Ride. He stated that, “schools exist within themselves.” He further went on to state that, “ a lot of schools exert beliefs whether there is a black democrat in office or not.”
HBCU Outreach
Equality Ride
Equality Ride, a project of Soulforce Q, as stated on Soulforce’s website, “is a traveling forum that gives young adults the chance to deconstruct injustice and the rhetoric that sustains it.” In the past ride in 2008, 15 schools were visited including HBCUs, such as Spelman College and Morehouse College. Riders can be ages 18 to 28. There were around 20 riders in the 2008 ride.
Jarrett Lucas of Soulforce, stated that “schools that take priority are schools that have policies that say LGBT people are not welcome”. Equality Ride “also looks at additions to conversations already in place.”
Soulforce Q is planning another Equality Ride in Spring 2010. Applications for riders will be available at equalityride.com in the late Summer
The Human Rights Campaign HBCU Program
The Human Rights Campaign HBCU Program featured a Human Rights Campaign national event that brought together LGBTQ students at HBCUs from across the country called Hype ’08. This event had over 10 campuses attend.
Through the HRC’s HBCU outreach effort, a toolkit was created that helps make the connection between campus concerns and national issues. Some examples of topics include: non- discrimination policy, hate crimes, and legislation.
A Look to the Future
As we look to the future, hopefully more schools will have LGBTQ organizations, become involved in events, and utilize the positive energy inspired by Obama in their campus communities.
Below is a table listing universities and college and their respective LGBTQ organization, which was based upon the research made by Jasper Hendrix, Director of Field Operations at the National Black Justice Coalition. If you know of a college or university that has a LGBTQ organization that is not on this list, please e-mail info@campuspride.org.
|
