Manhattan, KS— Kansas State University is being recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly colleges in the nation by Campus Pride and its annual Best of the Best Colleges and Universities for LGBTQ+ Students list.
The rankings are determined using the Campus Pride Index rating scale, a comprehensive national rating system that measures LGBTQ-friendly campus life. K-State has earned the top rating of five stars for creating a safe, welcoming environment for students, faculty and staff.
K-State is one of only 40 institutions in the U.S. — and the only school in Kansas — to earn a place on the Campus Pride Best of the Best list. Campuses on the list have all earned the five-star rating and at least a 93 score, on a scale of 90 to 100, for their LBGTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices.
“This national recognition confirms the university is truly dedicated to providing an inclusive, diverse and affirming campus,” said Thomas Lane, vice president for student life and dean of students. “It also highlights the work by our K-State family — faculty, staff, students and alumni — to ensure K-State is always a place where people may be their authentic selves.”
At K-State, the LGBT Resource Center, established in 2010, works to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and resources to support the community at large. The university also has several organizations that work to support LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff, including the Sexuality and Gender Alliance, LGBTQ+ Faculty Staff Alliance, Gender Collective and oSTEM. These organizations support various initiatives, such as appropriate housing communities, restroom facilities and gender and sexuality resources. The LGBT Resource Center is part of the Department of Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs in the Division of Student Life.
“It is an honor to continue to be recognized for all of our hard work on campus and in the community,” said Brandon Haddock, Ph.D., coordinator of the LGBT Resource Center. “Advising our student organizations and working with our faculty and staff organization guides the resource center’s initiatives and helps to create a safe and affirming campus.”
“Campus Pride created the Best of the Best list to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of these colleges and universities, creating safer, more welcoming campuses for LGBTQ+ people,” said Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride executive director. “Students, prospective students and their families, along with faculty and staff members, deserve to know whether they will be safe on campus so they can make the best choices for their own academic success — and by creating inclusive, safe environments, these colleges are taking responsibility for all students.”
