by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
Campus Pride has added Kansas State University to its annual Best of the Best Colleges and Universities for LGBTQ+ Students list.
Campus Pride has recognized K-State as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly colleges in the nation, one of only 40 universities from the U.S. to make it on the list, and the only university from Kansas to be listed.
The creation of a safe, welcoming environment for students, faculty and staff is one of the qualities used to determine rankings on the list.
The Best of the Best list includes universities known for having LBGTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices.
"This national recognition confirms the university is truly dedicated to providing an inclusive, diverse and affirming campus," said Thomas Lane, vice president for student life and dean of students. "It also highlights the work by our K-State family — faculty, staff, students and alumni — to ensure K-State is always a place where people may be their authentic selves."
In 2010, K-State established the LGBT Resource Center, intended to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and bring resources to support the community at large.
Several organizations at K-State work to support LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff, including the Sexuality and Gender Alliance, LGBTQ+ Faculty Staff Alliance, Gender Collective and oSTEM.
"It is an honor to continue to be recognized for all of our hard work on campus and in the community," said Brandon Haddock, Ph.D., coordinator of the LGBT Resource Center. "Advising our student organizations and working with our faculty and staff organization guides the resource center's initiatives and helps to create a safe and affirming campus."
"Campus Pride created the Best of the Best list to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of these colleges and universities, creating safer, more welcoming campuses for LGBTQ+ people," said Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride executive director. "Students, prospective students and their families, along with faculty and staff members, deserve to know whether they will be safe on campus so they can make the best choices for their own academic success — and by creating inclusive, safe environments, these colleges are taking responsibility for all students."
The LGBT Resource Center is part of the Department of Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs in the Division of Student Life.