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Are You Gay? Check Yes or No

by Julie Larsen on March 3, 2010

I was forwarded this article from Gawker by a friend. Not always sure about the true tone of Gawker, I was skeptical at first. Then, saw it linked to an article from Inside Higher Ed. Apparently, both Dartmouth and University of Pennsylvania are now asking round about questions to see which students identify within LGBTQ groups.

The article lists several LGBTQ activists who are on board with the addition of a question on college applications, but honestly, I am not so sure. While I understand the argument presented that LGBTQ students applying to schools may want to speak with other LGBTQ students on campus, what about students who do not feel comfortable outing themselves on a piece of paper? What’s next, requiring results of the Kinsey scale to determine scholarship awards?

Tagged as: higher ed, LGBTQ, social justice, student affairs

  • Gary_Ballinger

    I think it is an interesting prospect. It does provide a more reliable measure for universities who wish to attract more gay students. I know one of the articles that I have read this week talks about how in the past some admissions officers just inferred this information from the list of activities/involvements that students listed (ie a gay/straight alliance). It certainly does put the pressure back on the university to make sure that they are providing an open, welcoming, and accepting campus. I think the interesting question: Will universities have MORE responsibility for LGBT protections/activities/support by allowing this as a criteria for admissions?

  • http://zackfordblogs.com ZackFord

    Advocating for LGBT Advocacy has long been tough specifically because schools feign ignorance that there might be any (no more than just a few) queer students on campus. Out of sight, out of mind. The students who identify will identify and the ones who won't wont, but at least there will be some sort of measure of the population on campus.

  • julieatdallas

    Zack, I agree that demographic information can be useful. However, I worry that this may not just be used for demographic purposes. Even with the best intentions, I could see someone passing judgement based on knowing an applicant identified as LGBTQ.

  • http://zackfordblogs.com ZackFord

    But how is that any different than people passing judgment based on race, gender, or religion? Or on something written in an essay? My admissions essay was about how I despise organized religion and I sent it to some schools that had religious affiliations; they could have easily used it as grounds to deny my application (though they didn't). Sexuality is something people are used to lying about or not disclosing, but we can at least provide the opportunity for them to do so.

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