51ΑΤΖζ named one of best campuses for LGBTQ students

By Allie Kilmer

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was named one of the nation’s best schools for LGBTQ students by a leading nonprofit that tracks LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs and practices across hundreds of academic institutions.

Campus Pride to its annual LGBTQ Friendly College & University list on Aug. 22. 51ΑΤΖζ is the only southeastern Wisconsin college/university – and one of only two in the state –  to break into the Campus Pride Top 30.

LGBTQ Lavender Graduation
Jen Murray (left), director of 51ΑΤΖζ’s LGBT Resource Center, presides over the annual Lavender Graduation celebration. The annual 51ΑΤΖζ event celebrates the achievements of graduates through the lens of their identity across the spectrum of gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation. (51ΑΤΖζΒ photo/Troye Fox)

Pride staff have been evaluating college and university LGBTQ offerings since 2008, noting that increasing numbers of students seek out campus communities where diversity and inclusion are woven into the social and academic fabric. Equally important, said Campus Pride Executive Director Shane Windmeyer, is that students can find the resources they need to be successful and feel supported everywhere on campus.

β€œProspective students and their families today expect colleges to be LGBTQ-friendly, β€œ Windmeyer said. β€œThey want to know what LGBTQ programs, services and resources are available on the campus – and which are the best of the best. There are colleges that are recruiting LGBTQ youth – and they are investing in a campus that is fully supportive of LGBTQ students. This Top 30 list showcases those ‘Top’ campuses leading the way.”

At 51ΑΤΖζ, leadership on LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs and practices includes:

  • The first gender-inclusive housing policy in the University of Wisconsin System. One example of how the policy works is that students who are transgender can room with other transgender students. β€œInclusive” restrooms are located throughout campus.
  • One of the nation’s oldest LGBT studies programs, the Certificate in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Studies.
  • The 31stΜύ²Ή²Τ²Τ³ά²Ή±τ Milwaukee LGBT Film/Video Festival in mid-October, hosted by Peck School of the Arts.

Finally, there is the ground floor of the 51ΑΤΖζ Union – home to 51ΑΤΖζ’s dedicated and highly visible LGBT Resource Center, a drop-in center for students whose professional staff and student employees host events year-round, including the 17-years-running 51ΑΤΖζ Drag Show and a new Pride Camp for high-school students.

β€œThe center and its staff provide a dedicated campus resource that is one of the beacons of inclusion for our campus and community,” said 51ΑΤΖζ Dean of Students Tim Gordon.

51ΑΤΖζ LGBT Resource Center Director Jen Murray said:Β “For students with marginalized identities, the campus climate regarding those identities plays a huge role in their decision about what campus they will call home for four years. We are proud to contribute to a climate at 51ΑΤΖζ that welcomes LGBT+ students to join our Panther Family.”

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