Groups and individuals at California State University, Long Beach have been working over the last few months to successfully raise the university’s rating on the Campus Pride Index.
The Campus Pride Index is a measurement that assesses the quality of life of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals on campuses across the country.
Cal State, Long Beach had a rating of 2.5 out of five on the index just seven months ago. The rating was described by a local publication as mediocre. The groups and individual members of the university have helped to raise the rating to a four out of five.
“While many of new developments were institutionalized in the past year, they have been in the works. In fact, Cal Stat Long Beach’s score would have been much higher last year, but the survey responses hadn’t been updated since the 2010-11 academic year,” said Dina Perrone, an assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice.
The Committee on LGBTQ Campus Climate was established in 2013. The committee is charged with collaborating with all segments of the university to recruit, retain and promote the success of LGBTQ students, staff, faculty and administrators.
In addition to establishing the LGBTQ committee, another new development that has helped raise the Campus Pride Index rating is phasing in a queer studies minor, which is attracting many students according to committee members.
Additionally, gender-neutral bathrooms have been established in the beginning of fall 2014, gender-neutral housing is available through the university’s Housing and Residential Life Office. Students can formally apply now for gender-neutral housing.