American College Health Association (ACHA)’s Post

When public institutions fail us sometimes it is private institutions that can stand up and make a difference. As Public colleges and universities can no longer center safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and DEI staff or programs, local private colleges and universities are opening their programs to make them regional hubs for local college students seeking resources. Creating solutions to unnecessary barriers and centering justice over who is paying you tuition. This is allyship and using power for good instead of making empty performative DEI statements. 👏🏾#Centerjustice #solveproblems

With Pride Month around the corner, it's crucial to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students in higher education. Recent studies have shown that LGBTQ+ college students experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. These challenges include increased levels of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and substance misuse: - https://lnkd.in/g7ZiNQnj - https://lnkd.in/gkMYgQVv The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, with many students facing additional stressors such as lack of privacy at home and difficulties in accessing mental health services: - https://lnkd.in/gUg5K92t Although universities of higher education strive to support diverse student populations (SLU is a great example and that is one of the reasons I like working at a university), above studies show there is still a significant problem, and we need to do more. Since becoming a professor, I have always thought about how I proactively can build an inclusive environment for all students. What are some of the ways that you implemented as an educator to create a more inclusive and supportive environment? #PrideMonth #MentalHealth #LGBTQStudents #HigherEducation #InclusiveEducation

Anti-DEI laws continue to negatively impact LGBTQ students by causing an exodus of LGBTQ staff in states where these laws are passed. Losing faculty representation is a huge blow to LGBTQ students’ safety and sense of belonging. Having openly LGBTQ faculty in the classroom helps both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ students feel welcomed and included, according to new research from the Boston University School of Public Health: https://lnkd.in/gWVxmsfc Now, LGBTQ staff are leaving anti-DEI states in response to their recently passed laws, according to a The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law survey. (Source: https://lnkd.in/gk9AsbHF) Without LGBTQ representation on campus, LGBTQ students' sense of wellbeing, a precursor for retention, will diminish.

We released our latest Understanding America Study report about the value of public education and its purposes, teaching LGBTQ and race-related topics, and parental control. This report is part of a longstanding collaboration with my wonderful USC colleagues Morgan Polikoff Amie Rapaport Marshall Garland Dan Silver and Jake Scollan-Rowley. We’re thrilled to have received extensive coverage in Forbes & the NYT as well as mentions in WSJ, USAToday, Chalkbeat! https://lnkd.in/gUz3yVA5 Most surprising to me--and hopeful-- was strong bipartisan support for public schools over vouchers. Most illuminating is not only do adults disagree about the race- and LGBTQ content children should be learning, and at what grade level, but they also disagree about how to reconcile disagreement! Communities nationwide must be suffering this lack of procedural consensus. Key to coming to consensus will be understanding others' perspectives. Democrats think teaching children to embrace differences is a much more important purpose of education than Republicans, who do not think this is a primary purpose. Republicans are worried about children feeling guilty if they learn about racial injustices and inequality, and Democrats are not. Republicans are more worried than Democrats that learning about topics related to LGBTQ and race will detract from learning other content and skills. And Republicans are more worried than Democrats that reading or learning about transgender or gay people might make children think about whether they are or want to be trans or gay. Understanding others' perspectives is the first step towards compromise! I hope you find our report useful, please reach out if you’d like to discuss. 

Today is a big day in U.S. college admissions. Through the college application process, students told stories that communicated their goals, values, and dreams, showing colleges why they were a good fit for their campus. Now with acceptances in hand, students are making a big decision, deciding which school is the best fit for them. After spending time researching programs, professors and extracurricular opportunities, visiting college campuses (virtually or in-person), comparing financial aid packages, and more, students must now make a big decision: which school will they ultimately attend? There can be a lot of pressure to choose the “right” school, but the reality is that there are a lot of things that can make a school feel like the right fit for a student. Is the school close enough to home so that they can visit for Sunday dinner? Does the school have an on-campus Hillel or LGBTQ+ center? Do the writers in the school’s curriculum look like them? While this process can be daunting, it ultimately reaffirms each student’s unique journey. Today marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter–a chapter shaped by the stories that brought each student to this moment and the stories that are yet to be written.

Dive into ASBJ to explore how you can take action to create safer schools for nonbinary students. Vanessa Ford & Rebecca Kling share key principles for promoting equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ students. Let's work together to foster environments where every student can thrive!

“LGBTQ+ Guide for Student Success” - https://lnkd.in/dZ2Rt_xv By Intelligent.com Higher Education Team, Reprinted from Intelligent LGBTQ students have a significant presence on college campuses. In 2018, an Association of American Universities survey of over 180,000 university students found that 16.9% of students identify as non-heterosexual. While many colleges try to make their campuses welcoming to LGBTQ students, their success rate varies. If you’re a prospective college student who identifies as LGBTQ+, it’s important that you research schools to make sure they’ve created a supportive environment.  In this guide, you’ll learn how to research colleges and review additional topics such as the unique challenges LGBTQ students face and […] The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring

Teaching Controversial Topics in U.S. Schools: How #Americans Really Feel While they agree on fundamental value of public education, researchers reveal deep partisan divides on sensitive topics like #LGBTQ+ inclusion and racial justice in K-12 curricula

"More than 90 percent of transgender youth live in states that have proposed or passed laws restricting their rights." Data from 84 LGBTQ+ faculty members in higher education reveal the profound impact of anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws on their teaching and personal lives. Take a moment to read this 2024 study that delves into the challenges they face in navigating an anti-LGBTQ+ climate, both inside and outside the classroom. Education should be a safe space for everyone to thrive. #InclusionMatters #StandwithTrans #SafeSpace #AdvocacyandEducation

In the quest to create inclusive learning environments, we must recognize the pivotal role of educators and school leaders in shaping the experiences of all students. Recent insights shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ students in schools and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for every individual. Reflecting on the recommendations for supporting LGBTQ youth in educational settings, it becomes evident that there is a metaphorical seed of growth hidden within each student's identity. Just as a seed needs nurturing, protection, and the right conditions to flourish into a strong, resilient plant, so do students require supportive policies and affirming practices to thrive academically and emotionally. The call to action is clear: to cultivate an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and respected. By implementing policies that uphold the dignity of LGBTQ students and prioritize equity and inclusivity, we pave the way for a brighter future where all individuals can reach their full potential. Let's open the dialogue: How can we, as a community, nurture this metaphorical seed within each student, ensuring that it grows into a flourishing representation of diversity and acceptance in our schools? https://lnkd.in/d4SDxC6