As a reflection of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, IU Bloomington has been included by Campus Pride and BestColleges as one of the top universities for LGBTQ+ students in 2019. Released every year to highlight universities with holistic resources and a welcoming environment to help members of the LGBTQ+ community succeed, Campus Pride and BestColleges’ list awarded IU Bloomington a five-star rating for its resources, the highest rating granted to colleges and universities.
"We are honored to be in such inspiring company on Campus Pride's Best of the Best Top 30 LGBTQ-friendly Colleges & Universities list,” said James C. Wimbush, vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, dean of The University Graduate School, and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership. “As a university deeply committed to a diverse and welcoming environment for all, the true measure of our success has been how many members of the LGBTQ+ community have been able to find home and create a legacy of excellence here at IU."
In explaining its ranking, Campus Pride and BestColleges noted the many resources offered through the LGBTQ+ Culture Center, a center supported by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in the 2019-2020 academic year, the LGBTQ+ Culture Center offers students, faculty and staff a comprehensive range of educational, supportive and community resources, including counseling services, ally trainings and celebrations that bring the community together in celebration of LGBTQ+ culture.
“As I tell the number of campuses who call our center and ask how we've done this 'in Indiana,’ I point to the legacy of Herman Wells, the work of Alfred Kinsey, and the scores of good people on whose shoulders we stand,” said Doug Bauder, director of the LGBTQ+ Culture Center. “It's about history and the importance of recognizing the value of all people and the wisdom of honoring diversity."
The Campus Pride and BestColleges list also noted the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association in providing valuable opportunities for students and alumni alike. A hallmark of these opportunities has been the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association Scholarship Campaign, which has raised over $3 million in support of student scholarships since 2013. The scholarships supported by the campaign, which are available to students across Indiana University, include funding for professional development opportunities and scholarships meant to aid students who lose funding after coming out to their families. Since the campaign’s launch, the alumni association has helped support over 100 scholarships for students across IU.
Inclusion on Campus Pride’s list is only one of the honors IU has received in its commitment to supporting students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds. IU Bloomington has also been listed by College Consensus as a top LGBTQ-friendly institution, and Indiana University has received several awards from Insight Into Diversity Magazine, including the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award and designation as a Diversity Champion.
For more information about the resources supporting LGBTQ+ students at IU, visit the LGBTQ+ Culture Center’s website.