The University of Iowa is the first public institution to include questions on the college application regarding the sexual orientation of the applicant. Though these questions are optional, proponents of the questions think it will help demonstrate that the university is accepting and welcoming of LGBT students. Representatives of the common application said that by adding the questions on sexual orientation, applicants might worry about answering the question and the implications of answering versus not answering. What is your opinion on this? Do you think institutions should include these questions? Perhaps it depends on the use of the information. If the data is used to promote inclusion or is used to spread knowledge on resources, then maybe it is a good thing? In relation to what we have been discussing in class, do you think sexual orientation could be an affirmative action issue?
Article: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/12/12/university-iowa-adds-optional-question-sexual-orientation
I think that adding a dropdown box to allow students to choose "transgendered" is a very progressive and important step in the fight for LGBTQ equality. I also agree with the benefits that may be gained from having tangible information about the relative number of LGBTQ students coming to campus. I do not necessarily view sexual orientation as an affirmative action but more of a campus climate issue. From my knowledge (and I could be wrong) sexual orientation has not historically played a role in who can and cannot enroll in a higher education institution (at least not to the extent of the role of race), however, I know that LGBTQ students, faculty and administrators are often marginalized on the basis of their sexual orientation. It is important for members of the LGBTQ community to feel supported and it is also important to teach cultural competency, so for that reason I think the University of Iowa may be taking a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good move on the part of Iowa. Currently, I attend a focal point group, where we sit around discussing issues pertaining to LBGTQ students. Recently we discussed intersectionality.
ReplyDeleteOne of the suggestions for colleges and universities working with LBGTQ students is to allow students to name themselves. I think that this is a good idea, not only for LBGTQ students but for all students. The ability to name yourself allows colleges and universities take into account the identities that are most salient to the individual and allow universities to respond to those needs accordingly.
Currently in Dr. Cain's class we are discussing intersectionality of multiple identities. From those discussions and readings, it seems that different aspects of identity are braided together and not separate parts of a whole