IPN applauds UI for LGBTQ Inclusive Admissions

Des Moines, IA – Iowa Pride Network (IPN) is applauding the University of Iowa for becoming the first public university to ask incoming students about their gender identity and sexual orientation.

“This is a huge step for the University and an important one for prospective LGBTQ students,” stated Ryan Roemerman, IPN executive director. “How colleges portray LGBTQ students in college admission materials sends a clear signal to LGBTQ students about how the university views them and their role in the institutional fabric.”

University of Iowa admissions wants to identify LGBTQ students and connect them to campus resources such as the U of I student group, GLBTAU (Gay, Lesbian Bisexual, Transgender and Allied Union—the longest, continually funded LGBT student group in the nation). 

Helping LGBTQ young people access such resources is important, as seen in the IPN’s College Climate Survey of LGBTQ students. In the survey, the majority of students (84.4%) reported attending campus LGBT group meetings with 56% reporting that they attend the meetings often or always, indicating how important these groups are for LGBTQ students.

A key recommendation from the Iowa College Climate Survey states that colleges and universities, “marketing and recruitment materials need to include LGBTQ students and reflect them in admission materials and other important documents.”

“What the University of Iowa is doing is providing a coordinated framework to provide support and resources to a population of students that are often overlooked. We applaud the University of Iowa for taking this step and hope that other colleges and universities follow their lead,” stated Roemerman.

About Iowa Pride Network
Iowa Pride Network empowers students to fight homophobia and transphobia in high schools and colleges by supporting gay-straight alliance (GSA) clubs and providing leadership opportunities and organizing projects centered on social justice. For more information call Iowa Pride Network at 515-471-8062 or visit www.iowapridenetwork.org