Posted on 08/01/2006 5:45:27 AM PDT by Behind Liberal Lines
Syracuse University, along with Cornell University, Colgate University and Ithaca College, made the list of the 100 best campuses for LGBT students in a new book released today.
While anti-gay rights efforts have gained traction in many places, particularly in opposition to gay marriage, college campuses are widely embracing efforts to support the gay community.
To be considered for the guide, colleges had to be nominated by a current student. About 600 schools were in contention for the 100-best designation, said author Shane Windmeyer, who is the founder of Campus PrideNet, an online network that combats homophobia at colleges.
Campuses that made the list have made ongoing financial commitments to supporting gay students.
Cornell opened its LGBT Resource Center almost 12 years ago, and administrators make sure that, beginning with orientation, students know it exists, said Gwendolyn Dean, director of the center.
That sends an important message that LGBT people are included," Dean said. "LGBT people are used to various versions of the closet. This visibility we work so hard to maintain at Cornell directly speaks against that. We're very out front and accessible."
Ithaca College's LGBT center sponsors a film series every year and collaborates with students on other programs, such as a recent effort to explore the high rates of smoking in the gay community.
IC center coordinator Lisa Maurer thinks there will be a market for the new guide because she already hears from parents of gay high school students asking if their children would be safe or have leadership opportunities there.
(Excerpt) Read more at syracuse.com ...
Don't jump the gun here......with AIDS, the gays may be able to "strike first"....
Not surprised, there were plenty of poofters at Cornell two decades ago
My sister, who lives upstate where we grew up, again asked my why I didn't move back. I cited just high taxes, second highest in the nation.
Maybe I should send her this and a couple of the gun-UNfriendly articles about NY, too.
Three major reasons not to move back there.
I go to Cornell. Yes, free rubbers are included in the insane tuition bill.
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