Schools

University of Maryland Gets High Marks for LGBT Policies

The College Park campus was the only school to make the Top-25 LGBT-Friendly University and College list.

The University of Maryland at College Park is one of the best when it comes to being accommodating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students and staff, according to a ranking by Campus Pride. 

In fact, it came close –very very close – to receiving a perfect score on the advocacy group’s LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index.

It was the only Maryland school to make the top 25.

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The index is compiled by a self-assessment, but most of the questions are straightforward, such as “Does your campus provide gender-neutral/single occupancy restroom facilities in administrative and academic buildings?”

The University of Maryland scored five out of five in each of the 10 categories except “Housing and Residence Life,” in which it came in at 4.5. The university does not offer “LGBT housing options/themes,” according to its report card.

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According tot the UMD website, beginning this fall, students will have the option of “gender-inclusive housing” as part of a multi-year plan to diversify housing options. The Resident Life department website also notes that it responds to housing needs on a case by case basis and does offer mixed-gender housing for older students. 

The Resident Life director in charge of the new housing initiative was not available for comment Friday. 


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