This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A new report on the experiences of LGBT students, faculty and staff at colleges and universities finds significant harassment of LGBT people and a lack of safety and inclusiveness at campuses across the U.S.
The 2010 State of Higher Education for LGBT people surveyed nearly 6,000 LGBT students and employees in higher ed. Campus Pride, which produced the report, says this is the first national study of this issue.
"[LGBT] students, faculty and staff experience a chilly campus climate of harassment," said Susan Rankin, a Pennsylvania State University education professor and lead author of the study.
Some findings include:
• 23 percent of gay or bisexual students and employees reported experiencing harassment that interfered with their ability to learn or work. The rate was higher for transgender students and staff: 39 percent.
• One-third of respondents have considered leaving their schools because of the challenging climate.
• To avoid intimidation 43 percent of those surveyed hide their sexual orientation. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of transgender students and employees hide their gender identities.
• 43 percent of transgender students and employees feared for their physical safety. Thirteen percent of gay or bisexual respondents did.