As we enter Pride month let’s discuss how colleges and universities can support faculty and students in the LGBTQ+ community and highlight influential LGBTQ+ voices in the education space.
We understand how important it is for students to feel safe to learn and grow in their environment. Creating and fostering a safe educational space for all students, but especially those belonging to marginalized groups, is the first step towards supporting faculty and students. One way to establish a safe space is by implementing policies and procedures that protect students and faculty from harassment and discrimination. Another is to provide facilities and housing that are inclusive, safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, especially trans and gender non-binary students.
“Empathy fuels connection.” – Brené Brown
As famed author and researcher, Brené Brown once said, “Empathy fuels connection.” By promoting empathy through education, we allow students and faculty from varying backgrounds to develop deep and meaningful connections, thus creating a community of compassion and understanding.
Another way institutions can support students and faculty is through outreach. Hosting affirming events and creating support groups are beneficial ways to demonstrate to students and faculty that they belong to the school community and that their voices and opinions matter.
Finally, one of the biggest contributions institutions can make is to come out publicly in support of their LGBTQ+ students and faculty. This sends a message to supporters and opponents that hate and discrimination have no place in education.
There are several groups in the U.S. and internationally working to promote safe and affirmative school environments for LGBTQ+ students.
- The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals is a member-based organization that “supports individuals who work on campuses to educate and support people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.”
- The Safe Schools Coalition is an international organization dedicated to combatting bullying, discrimination, and harassment in schools. Their initiatives strive to foster a culture of acceptance and inclusion, which empowers LGBTQ+ youth to embrace their authentic selves and thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
- Campus Pride is a volunteer nonprofit organization made up by “student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students.” They help develop resources to support LGBTQ and ally students in higher ed.
- Out in Tech, while not specifically focusing on education, is a non-profit that provides resources and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ students in the EdTech field. Their goal is to foster a digital landscape that is more diverse, innovative and inclusive for all.
- Lastly, the Trans Student Educational Resources provides advocacy and resources for Trans students facing obstacles in education institutions. Their outreach and impact continue to ensure the success of trans and gender non-binary students in their educational careers.
This article was written by the Cengage Group Pride ERG team.
Who is Pride ERG?
Our ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) are employee-created and employee-led internal communities, providing personal connections and affiliation to promote diversity, openness, understanding, acceptance and inclusiveness.
Our Pride Employee Resource Group is a team of Cengage employees who facilitate an inclusive, empowering culture that supports LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual) employees and allies of all identities and backgrounds.
How Pride ERG Is Celebrating Pride Month
Pride ERG is celebrating Pride month at Cengage this year with the theme “Champions of Pride” to coincide with the Olympic Games in Paris. The theme highlights LGBTQIA+ heroes and how employees can be “Champions of Pride” in their daily lives. We have several asynchronous and synchronous activities for employees including games, a watch party for the film “Light in the Water” hosted by Terry Raper, Enrollment Representative at Cengage and a Paint and Sip hosted by Powell Vacha, Senior Learning Designer at Cengage.
How is your institution celebrating?
We would like to wish all faculty, administrators and students a fabulous Pride month!
Learn more about how Pride ERG is celebrating Pride month this year, as well as fostering a safe and inclusive environment every day.
