Towson University: Towson University Among Nation's Leaders In LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Press release from Towson University:

TU receives five stars, is rated top in state for its efforts to include and protect
all on campus

A national leader in inclusive excellence, Towson University has received a five-star
rating from the CampusPrideIndex.org, a national assessment tool assisting campuses
in improving safety and campus climate for people who identify as LGBTQ+. TU is one
of just 47 of the nation’s colleges and universities to receive the highest ranking
possible—climbing from a four-star designation a year ago.

TU is joined by University of Maryland, College Park, as the only five-star rated
institutions in the state. The Maryland Institute of Art received four-and-a-half
stars, while Johns Hopkins University earned four stars.

“TU is a national leader in inclusive excellence, and this recognition is evidence
of the institution-wide emphasis TU has placed on inclusion,” President Kim Schatzel
said. “An inclusive and diverse community is a pre-requisite for a quality, higher
education experience. Such an educational experience provides that our graduates learn
to both thrive and support others to thrive inclusively, and because of those experiences,
TU students are better prepared to lead in a 21st Century global economy.”

In individual analysis, TU’s LGBTQ+ policy inclusion, support and institutional commitment,
campus safety and counseling and health received five stars.

Moving into this premier echelon is indicative that both the university strategic plan and diversity strategic plan have seen successful implementation throughout the campus community.

Through its strategic plan, TU actively works to build an inclusive, collaborative,
and equitable community where people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities and
life experiences are welcomed, valued and supported to achieve their fullest potential.
This commitment is reflected in hiring practices, decision-making, academic and co-curricular
programming, support services and resources.

“The Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity are proud that our campus contributes
to a more inclusive, welcoming, and respectful LGBTQ+ and ally campus,” said Patricia
Bradley, interim vice president of the Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity.
“The efforts of our DEI education team and our Center for Student Diversity are unparalleled.
Their commitment to education and programming has impacted the quality of life for
our LGBTQ+ and ally community. We are honored to receive this recognition and encourage
our campus community to continue to be change agents and strive towards improving
campus safety and belonging for all.”

In recent years, TU has:

The latest recognition from Campus Pride Index follows a series of rankings that distinguish
TU as one of the nation’s leading institutions for inclusive excellence.

In September, Towson University was recognized by Insight into Diversity magazine with a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED)
Award. That honor marks the second consecutive year TU has been placed among the nation’s
top institutions for inclusion.

TU is ranked among the top public institutions in the nation according to multiple
publications. Learn more about recognitions and honors on TU’s rankings page.

This press release was produced by Towson University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.