3 NJ Colleges Named Among Most LGBTQ-Friendly

A new report has named the 25 most LGBTQ-friendly colleges in the country, and three of them are right here in New Jersey. The college ratings site College Consensus released its rankings Monday. In New Jersey, Princeton University, Rutgers University, and Montclair State University were named among the nation’s best.

The site selected the best LGBTQ schools based on several factors: the strength of their student groups, inclusiveness policies and recognition by the campus pride index, a benchmarking tool to help colleges and universities create safer and more inclusive campuses.

Here’s what they had to say about Princeton University:

The Ivy League University ranked as number one out of the top 25 in the country, according to College Consensus. BestColleges.com also ranked Princeton first among the best colleges for LGBT for students.

The University opened a LGBT Center in 2006, which provides the necessary resources for those on an exploration path to discover their own sexuality. The school also provides LGBT workshops regularly, which address emerging LGBT issues on campus, and in the world.

Here’s what they had to say about Rutgers University:

Rutgers ranked 20 out of 25 in the country and has a Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities, which provides educational and social programs, and leadership development for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA) and ally students.

The University also offers gender inclusive housing, including gender neutral dorms and freshman being paired with student interested in LGBTQ issues. And also has a Douglass themed living community for students exploring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual experiences both in and out of the classroom.

A variety of courses and programs dedicated to LGBTQ studies are also offered.

Here’s what they had to say about Montclair State University:

Located in Clifton, Montclair State University ranked at number 24 out of 25 in the country. The University offers a LGBTQ Center which has various resources for LGBTQ students, including student organizations and the Safe Space program.

Gender inclusive housing in Stonewall Living Suites also connects students interested in supporting the LGBTQA community.

And a LGBTQ minor is offered under the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies program.

The colleges on the list spanned 16 states. Notable winners included Harvey Mudd College in California, Pennsylvania State University, Princeton University and Rutgers University in New Jersey, Ohio State University and the University of Maryland.

Here are the top 10:

1. Princeton University, NJ
2. Harvey Mudd College, CA
3. University of Pennsylvania, PA
4. Macalester College, MN
5. Elon University, NC
6. Tufts University, MA
7. Lehigh university, PA
8. University of Washington, WA
9. Ithaca College, NY
10. Ohio State University, OH

"LGBT friendly colleges are critical for the safety and well-being of gay, lesbian, trans, and nonconforming young people all over the nation," the authors noted.

The site's editors noted in a release that colleges and universities have been at the "vanguard of culture" for decades. Historically, that has included protecting artistic expression and giving young people a forum to voice their political views. However, for LGBTQ students, inclusive policies "can truly be a matter of life or death," particularly given that discrimination and hate crimes are still prevalent in many areas.

"LGBTQ friendly colleges are critical for the safety and well-being of gay, lesbian, trans, and nonconforming young people all over the nation," the editors said, providing "a safe space for queer young people, while helping prepare them for a workforce that is still frequently hostile."

The site acknowledged ranking the most LGBTQ-friendly colleges is somewhat subjective, but stressed it was done with care. An outspoken — and well-promoted — campus pride organization is a "clear sign" of acceptance in the campus community, the authors said.

Another indicator is in official institutional policy. This includes things like "inclusive language" in the student handbook, gender-inclusive or gender-neutral housing and clearly stated anti-discrimination policies.

"In other words, inclusiveness is a grab-bag, based on choices that colleges make based on their own needs and student population," the authors said. "Policies or organizations that work for one college may not work for another, so defining LGBT friendly colleges means sorting through and analyzing. It’s a little objective and a little subjective, and always open for debate."

College Consensus says it combines the latest college ranking systems with student review scores.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

Photo by David Silverman/Getty Images

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.