The Worst List identifies the “absolute worst campuses for LGBTQ youth” in the United States. The colleges & universities listed have chosen to openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth and/or have requested Title IX exemptions to perpetuate the harms of religion-based bigotry. The criterion to be the “absolute worst” campus includes either of the following: 1) Received and/or applied for a Title IX exemption to discriminate against LGBTQ youth and/or 2) Demonstrated past history and track record of anti-LGBTQ actions, programs and practices.
Find LGBTQ-friendly Colleges & Universities: Prospective students and families who are looking for LGBTQ-friendly campuses are encouraged to check out the Campus Pride Index for a free online search database.
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- Abilene Christian University
- American Indian College
- Anderson University
- Andrews University
- Appalachian Bible College
- Arlington Baptist University
- Asbury Theological Seminary
- Asbury University
- Azusa Pacific University
- Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary
- Belmont Abbey College
- Bethany Global University
- Bethel College
- Bethlehem College and Seminary
- Biola University
- Blue Mountain College
- Bob Jones University
- Boston Baptist College
- Brewton Parker College
- Brigham Young University
- Brigham Young University-Idaho
- Bryan College
- Cairn University
- California Baptist University
- Carson-Newman University
- Catholic University of America
- Cedarville University
- Central Christian College of the Bible
- Charleston Southern University
- Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
- Clarks Summit University
- Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
- College of Biblical Studies
- College of the Ozarks
- Colorado Christian University
- Columbia International University
- Compass College of Cinematic Arts
- Concordia University Irvine
- Corban University
- Covenant College
- Criswell College
- Crown College
- Dallas Baptist University
- Dallas Theological Seminary
- Dordt College
- East Texas Baptist University
- Elim Bible Institute and College
- Emmanuel College
- Erskine College
- Evangel University
- Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
- Faith International University and Seminary
- Family of Faith Christian University
- Florida College
- Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Freed-Hardeman University
- Fresno Pacific University
- Gateway Seminary
- Geneva College
- George Fox University
- Gordon College
- Grace Christian University
- Grove City College
- Hannibal-LaGrange University
- Hardin-Simmons University
- Harding University
- Heartland Baptist Bible College
- Houston Baptist University
- Howard Payne University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- John Paul the Great Catholic University
- Judson College
- Judson University
- Kentucky Mountain Bible College
- LABI College
- Lancaster Bible College
- Liberty University
- Life Pacific College
- Louisiana College
- Lutheran Brethren Seminary
- Manhattan Christian College
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Milligan University
- Mississippi College
- Missouri Baptist University
- Moody Bible Institute
- Multnomah University
- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
- North Greenville University
- Northpoint Bible College
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Nyack College
- Oak Hills Christian College
- Ohio Christian University
- Oklahoma Baptist University
- Oklahoma Christian University
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University
- Olivet Nazarene University
- Oral Roberts University
- Ozark Christian College
- Phoenix Seminary
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- Randall University
- Reformation Bible College
- Reformed Theological Seminary
- Regent University
- Rhema Bible Training College
- Shepherds Theological Seminary
- Shorter University
- Simpson University
- Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Southeastern University
- Southern Evangelical Seminary
- Southern Nazarene University
- Southern Wesleyan University
- Southwest Baptist University
- Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Southwestern Christian University
- Spring Arbor University
- St. Gregory's University
- Sterling College
- Tabor College
- The Baptist College of Florida
- The Master's University
- The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Toccoa Falls College
- Trinity Baptist College
- Trinity Bible College
- Trinity International University
- Truett-McConnell University
- Union University
- University of Dallas
- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- University of Mobile
- University of Northwestern-St. Paul
- University of the Cumberlands
- Vanguard University
- Virginia Baptist College
- Wayland Baptist University
- West Coast Baptist College
- Westminster Seminary California
- Westminster Theological Seminary
- Westmont College
- Wheaton College
- William Carey University
- William Jessup University
- Williams Baptist University
- Yeshiva University
- Zaytuna College
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, Texas
Religious Affiliation: Not Listed
Enrollment Size: 3695
Abilene Christian University has qualified for the Worst List because it has a past and recent history of anti-LGBTQ discrimination and most recently, implemented an aggressive, discriminatory ban on same-sex relationships for student employees (including same-sex dating) that has created an inhospitable, harmful climate.
As stated on the campus website, those student workers “asked to exemplify and support the university’s mission” — will be barred from dating people of the same sex, similar to how faculty and staff have been for years.
Campus History
- April 2011 - Abilene Christian University's Vice President of Student Life refuses to allow the formation of a Gay-Straight-Alliance, states, "We are not going to embrace any advocacy for gay identity"
- March 2018 - Abilene Christian University bans same-sex relationships for some student employees
- March 2018 - Abilene Christian Alumni Fight Back
- April 2018 - New Abilene Christian University policy discriminates against LGBT students
- March 2019 - Abilene Christian University history professor argues that homosexuals should be excluded from the Boy Scouts of America, claims that homosexuality is "sexual perversion"
American Indian College
Phoenix, Arizona
Religious Affiliation: Pentecostal
Denomination: Assemblies of God
Enrollment Size: 86
American Indian College has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX in order to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or receipt of abortion while still receiving federal funds.
Campus History
- October 2015 – Title IX exemption request filed
- July 2016 – Title IX exemption granted
Anderson University
Anderson, South Carolina
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Denomination: Southern Baptist Convention
Enrollment Size: 2325
Anderson University has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX, allowing the college to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or receipt of abortion while still receiving federal funds.
Campus History
- January 2015 – Title IX exemption request filed
- February 2015 – Title IX exemption granted
- August 2015 – Why same-sex ruling has SC’s religious-based schools fearing loss of tax exemption
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, Michigan
Religious Affiliation: Adventist
Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist
Enrollment Size: 1805
Andrews University has qualified for the Worst List because it has an extensive and well-documented history of anti-LGBTQ discrimination, including opposing student advocacy for LGBTQ homeless youth, along with banning same-sex relationships and official LGBTQ student groups.
Campus History
- March 2015 – Andrews University LGBT Bake Sale Dustup Reveals Adventism’s Issues With Homosexuality
- March 2015 – My school won’t let us sell cupcakes for homeless LGBT youth
- October 2015 – Adventist Seminary Has Trouble Getting Facts Straight in Homosexuality Statement
- August 2016 - Two Michigan colleges recognized among country's worst for LGBT students
- September 2016 - 2 local colleges rank in 'Worst Campuses for LGBTQ' list
Appalachian Bible College
Mount Hope, West Virginia
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Denomination: Independent Baptist (unaffiliated)
Enrollment Size: 274
Appalachian Bible College has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX in order to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or receipt of abortion while still receiving federal funds.
Campus History
- February 2016 – ABC President Supports Religious Exemption Bill
- June 2016 – Title IX exemption request filed
- December 2017 - Title IX exemption granted
Arlington Baptist University
Arlington, Texas
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Denomination: World Baptist Fellowship
Enrollment Size: 265
Arlington Baptist University has qualified for the Worst List because it has applied for an exemption to Title IX in order to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity while still receiving federal funds.
Campus History
- December 2015 – Title IX exemption request filed
- May 2016 – Dept. of Education requests further information
- August 2016 - 9 Texas colleges rank among the 'absolute worst' for LGBT students, gay rights group says
- August 2016 - The Nine Most Anti-LGBT Colleges in Texas
- February 2018 - Title IX exemption response from Dept. of Education under Trump Administration now stating that the letter from May 2016 requesting further information (letter from highest ranking official stating Title IX conflicts with religious tenets) is not needed for an institution in advance of claiming a religious exemption.
This is in sharp contrast to the written letters issued from the Dept. of Education under the Obama Administration requesting additional information prior to receiving a Title IX exemption, as the letter states: Primarily, the written "request'' for exemption from an institution is a request for assurance from OCR of exemptions to certain sections of the regulation. Religious institutions that have neither sought nor received prior written acknowledgement from OCR may still invoke their exemption after OCR receives a Title IX complaint. If, however. the College would like written acknowledgement from OCR of its exempt status, the College may submit a statement from its highest-ranking official that identifies the provisions of Title IX that conflict with the specific tenets of the controlling religious organization.
Asbury Theological Seminary
Wilmore, Kentucky
Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational
Denomination: Interdenominational Christian
Enrollment Size: 1639
Asbury Theological Seminary has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX in order to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or receipt of abortion while still receiving federal funds.
Campus History
- November 2012 – North Georgia pastor responds to Asbury Seminary president: An UnTenable Argument
- June 2014 - What We Believe, from Asbury University
- May 2016 – Title IX exemption request filed
- January 2017 - Title IX exemption granted
- August 2017 - Asbury employee signs Nashville Statement
Asbury University
Wilmore, Kentucky
Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational
Denomination: Interdenominational Christian
Enrollment Size: 1854
Asbury University has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX in order to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or receipt of abortion while still receiving federal funds.
Campus History
- October 2012 - LGBT on a Christian Campus
- March 2013 – What does Asbury owe its LGBT students? First, accept that they exist
- July 2014 – An Open Letter to Asbury University, or, how I was a victim of workplace discrimination two years too early
- January 2015 – Title IX exemption request filed
- January 2016 – Special Report: Have Evangelical Colleges Succumbed To “Theological Paranoia”?
- April 2016 - Kentucky colleges seek exemption from feds on transgender bias
- June 2016 – The twisted logic of evangelical colleges welcoming straight atheists and rejecting gay Christians
- August 2016 – Title IX exemption granted
- September 2016 - Asbury should reevaluate their reasoning
- November 2016 - Some LGBT students fear the Title IX exemption
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, California
Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational
Denomination: Interdenominational Christian
Enrollment Size: Not Listed
Azusa Pacific University has qualified for the Worst List because it worked to dismantle SB 1146, a California bill designed to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination at their Christian college or university.
APU Haven, the university’s current unofficial LGBTQ student group, can be reached via Facebook.
Campus History
- April 2006 – “The Table is Open,” But Are All Welcome?
- September 2013 – H. Adam Ackley, Transgender Theology Professor, Asked To Leave California’s Azusa Pacific University
- October 2013 - Students Rally Behind Ousted Trans Professor at Calif. Christian College
- September 2014 – Gay US college student gets note on first week of semester: ‘Faggots don’t belong here’
- July 2015 - Gay Marriage and the Future of Evangelical Colleges
- August 2015 – Some top Christian universities remain firm in wake of SCOTUS same-sex ruling
- April 2016 - When religion and the LGBT collegiate athlete collide
- June 2016 – Faith-based colleges say anti-discrimination bill would infringe on their religious freedom
- September 2016 – How Christian Schools Should have Spent $350K
- November 2016 - Able to breathe: This gay college football player was stifled by masculinity and Christianity
- April 2017 - This gay baseball player just came out on live TV
- July 2017 - Supervisor Sues Major Christian University Over Cover-Up of Antigay Violence
- September 2018 - Human Sexuality Statement updated and available online
Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary
Jacksonville , Texas
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Denomination: Baptist
Enrollment Size: 160
Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX, allowing the college to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or receipt of abortion while still receiving federal funds.
Campus History
- June 2017 - Title IX exemption requested
- January 2018 - Title IX exemption granted
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont, North Carolina
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Denomination: Roman Catholic Church
Enrollment Size: 1711
Belmont Abbey College has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX, allowing the college to discriminate against its students on the basis of gender identity while still receiving federal funds.
Belmont Abbey College currently has no known LGBTQ student group.
Campus History
- January 2015 – Title IX exemption request filed
- February 2015 – Title IX exemption granted
- December 2015 – Belmont Abbey College Misrepresents Church Teaching to Discriminate Against Trans Students
- December 2015 - LGBT group: Shame on Belmont Abbey College
- August 2016 - Eight Carolinas colleges included on ‘Shame List’ for LGBT discrimination
- January 2021 - Being true to yourself: Alums reflect on sexuality in college life, coping and finding a niche
Bethany Global University
Bloomington, Minnesota
Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational
Denomination: Interdenominational Christian
Enrollment Size: 240
Bethany Global University has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX in order to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or receipt of abortion while still receiving federal funds.
Campus History
- March 2017 – Title IX exemption request filed
- December 2017 - Title IX exemption granted
Bethel College
Mishawaka, Indiana
Religious Affiliation: Evangelical
Denomination: Christian Missionary Church
Enrollment Size: 2152
Bethel College has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX, allowing the college to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or receipt of abortion while still receiving federal funds.
Campus History
- May 2015 – What It’s Like to Be Gay at a Christian College—Where It’s a Reportable Offense
- May 2015 – Title IX exemption request filed
- July 2015 – Title IX exemption granted
- December 2015 – Bethel College granted waiver from protections for GLBT students, employees
Bethlehem College and Seminary
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Denomination: Converge
Enrollment Size: 200
Bethlehem College and Seminary has qualified for the Worst List because members of its staff signed onto the Nashville Statement condemning LGBTQ people and using religion-based bigotry to perpetuate stereotypes and harm toward LGBTQ youth.
Campus History
- August 2017 - BCS founder signs Nashville Statement
Biola University
La Mirada, California
Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational
Denomination: Interdenominational Christian
Enrollment Size: 6222
Biola University has qualified for the Worst List because it holds an exemption to Title IX in order to discriminate against its students on the basis of gender identity while still receiving federal funds. Biola University has also qualified for the Worst List because it worked to dismantle SB 1146, a California bill designed to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination at their Christian college or university.
Campus History
- May 2012 – Biola University’s ‘Queer Underground’ Emerges, Rattling Evangelical Faculty And Student Body
- April 2013 – Biola University Professor Equates Being LGBTQ to Being Racist, Students Demand Apology
- November 2014 – Title IX exemption request filed
- December 2014 – Dept. of Education requests further information regarding exemption request
- April 2015 – LGBT students to Biola University: ‘Tell Our Stories Too’
- December 2015 – A Christian University Toughens Its Anti-LGBT Stances
- January 2016 – When Christian Schools Make Campuses Less Safe
- February 2016 – Students Picket Christian Colleges Seeking ‘Right to Discriminate’
- February 2016 – How Christian Universities Are Becoming a Battleground for LGBT Rights
- May 2016 – Biolans’ Equal Ground calls on President of Biola University to immediately withdraw Title IX religious exemption
- June 2016 – Accustomed to Privilege: A Response to Biola University’s SB 1146 Opposition
- June 2016 – Fear-Mongering From Religious University over LGBT Protections
- June 2016 – Faith-based colleges say anti-discrimination bill would infringe on their religious freedom
- August 2016 – Title IX exemption granted
- September 2016 – How Christian Schools Should have Spent $350K
- March 2017 - We first battled over LGBT and religious rights. Here’s how we became unlikely friends.
- June 2017 - LGBT advocates at private colleges vow to stand strong after DeVos wavers on protections
- August 2017 - Biola employees sign Nashville Statement
- August 2017 - Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing: How LGBTQ Oppression Masquerades As ‘Love’ On Non-Affirming Christian Campuses
Blue Mountain College
Blue Mountain, Mississippi
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Denomination: Southern Baptist Convention
Enrollment Size: 544