“Positive images of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual students in university brochures and websites influence students’ choice of institution, new research by the Equality Challenge Unit has shown. The unit, founded in 2001, is funded by the higher education sector and the funding councils. The report is based on an analysis of 4,205 online responses to an electronic survey disseminated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) staff and students in higher education institutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The research finds that higher education provides a positive space for many LGBT students, but there are still high levels of homophobia and discrimination on campus, a factor that contributes to 20% of LGB and 28.5% of trans students suspending their studies. More than a third of LGB staff and 41% of trans staff who took part in the research have experienced discrimination and abuse from colleagues …” (more)
[Diane Spencer, University World News, 15 March]