UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has once again been recognized as one of the Campus Pride "Best of the Best" Top 40 LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities for student support and commitment to LGBTQ issues.
Penn State received an overall five out of five stars in the Campus Pride Index based on institutional policies and dedication to sexual and gender diversity.
Brian Patchcoski, director of Penn State’s Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, said he is honored to see Penn State on the list again this year, and credits the achievement to the collaborative work of the University community.
“This recognition showcases the hard work of students, faculty and staff working together in support of and dedication toward our sexual and gender diverse communities,” said Patchcoski. “Through the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, along with our colleague advocacy units, Penn State continues to provide the support to further our innovation and intention to infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion across the student experience. This recognition helps us, and the University find ways to think about what it means to support the 'whole' student with varied identities — not just sexual and gender diversity.”
Campus Pride commemorates LGBTQ History Month and National Coming Out Day by releasing its 2020 "Best of the Best" LGBTQ-friendly listing of colleges and universities. The announcement features 40 campuses from six regions of the country who are deeply committed to LGBTQ students and who rate the highest for LGBTQ-inclusion in policy, program and practice. Penn State is one of seven universities within the Mid-Atlantic region to earn the honor.
To be chosen for the list, an institution must score in the highest percentages in LGBTQ-friendly benchmark policies, practices and programs. View Penn State’s current Campus Pride Index report card here.
To learn more about the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, or to get involved, visit the website.