Six Universities in the UK have scored full marks in Gay By Degree 2015 published by LGB equality charity Stonewall.
The publication is the only online guide showing how gay-friendly the UK’s 158 universities are and is an invaluable tool for lesbian, gay and bisexual students and prospective students.
Gay By Degree 2015 measures each university against ten criteria to show how well they support their gay students. The checklist includes whether the university has a policy to tackle homophobic bullying, whether there are societies and events for LGBT students, and what steps they take to support lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.
The six UK universities scoring full marks are:
• Cardiff University
• Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
• Sheffield Hallam University
• University of Essex
• University of Glasgow and
• York St John University.
In 2014 only Cardiff University and LJMU scored full marks. A further eleven universities met nine out of the ten criteria. Universities were assessed against the availability of information on their main or student websites so that prospective students can make an informed decision.
Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive said: “There are a record number of university places available this year and prospective students who are lesbian, gay or bisexual will want to study where they will be supported and developed. Particular congratulations are due to Cardiff University, University of Essex, University of Glasgow, Liverpool John Moores University, Sheffield Hallam University and York St John University for being the only universities in Britain to score full marks.
“It’s particularly concerning that only 35 universities are monitoring student’s sexual orientation leaving them no way of telling if they’re providing a positive experience for gay students. We hope that this year’s guide prompts universities to do more to make campuses a welcoming place for all students.”
Brighton two universities failed to meet the criteria in three categories each.
Brighton University:
• No student sexual orientation monitoring
• No explicit welfare support and info for LGB students
• No LGBT Staff Network
Sussex University:
• No Anti-homophobic bullying policy and mandatory training
• No Student sexual orientation monitoring
• No Stonewall Diversity Champion
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