Point Loma, 101 others, take their spots on the anti-LGBT college ‘Shame List’
Campus Pride has released their list of the worst U.S. colleges for LGBT youth.
Called the “Shame List,” the tally highlights 102 campuses that openly discriminate against LGBT students with their policies, programs and practices.
“Most people are shocked when they learn that there are college campuses still today that openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth. It is an unspoken secret in higher education, how they use religion as a tool for cowardice and discrimination,” said Shane Windmeyer, Executive Director of Campus Pride. “This lists uncovers the religion-based bigotry that is harmful and perpetuated against LGBTQ youth on these campuses,”
The first list was published in December 2015 to bring awareness to the public about campuses that applied for, or received, Title IX exemptions which are supposed protect LGBT students.
Often times the students, staff and even faculty members were unaware that the establishment had even applied for such dispensations according to Campus Pride.
One organizer says that colleges may not even apply for Title IX exemptions, but it is clear that they don’t support LGBT students.
“I attended Westmont College in California,” said Donald Scherschligt, a Campus Pride organizer. “While they have not applied for a Title IX waiver, it is clear that their past and current policies and practices are anti-LGBTQ. Nobody should have to live my experience. I hope this listing will help colleges like Westmont realize the future is one of inclusion, especially within higher education. We need to call out these shameful acts.”
In their extensive research Campus Pride sorted through public records to compile their list highlighting the “absolute worst” campuses.
They based their conclusions on two things: “A college received and/or applied for a Title IX exemption to discriminate against LGBTQ youth and/or demonstrated past history and track record of anti-LGBTQ actions, programs and practices.”
Windmeyer said in a statement, “Ultimately these campuses are dangerous for vulnerable LGBTQ youth and others. All families and youth deserve to know this information – and so do corporations who do business with these campuses – from those who hire and recruit, vendors who contract food service, sell books, make donations and in any other way provides goods or services to a college or university.”
In contrast, each year Campus Pride releases the “Best of the Best” list that showcases the most inclusive college campuses in the United States.
That list can be found HERE .
“If your values and religious belief system include bigotry or discrimination toward any group of people, put it on your Admission brochure. Otherwise Campus Pride will do it for you,” Windmeyer said.
Colleges in California on the “Shame List” include:
Point Loma Nazarene
Azusa Pacific University
California Baptist
Fresno Pacific
Westminster Seminary
To view the entire “Shame List” click HERE.
