Campus Pride is a nonprofit dedicated to creating safe learning environments for LGBQT students nationwide, which has jut released a “Shame List” of colleges and universities it calls the “absolute worst for LGBQT youth.” Nine Texas colleges, all with religious ties, were among the 102 schools on the list.
- Arlington Baptist College
- Criswell College in Dallas
- University of Dallas (Irving)
- East Texas Baptist University (Marshall)
- Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene)
- Howard Payne University (Brownwood)
- Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Waxahachie)
- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton)
- Wayland Baptist University (Plainview)
Colleges make this list by applying for an exemptions from the Title IX statute, which is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Basically, they are asking for permission TO discriminate.
Campus Pride also releases a list of the top 30 colleges for LGBQT students, but no Texas colleges made this list.
“Religion-based bigotry is careless and life-threatening,” said Shane Windmeyer, Executive Director of Campus Pride. “LGBTQ young people face high rates of harassment and violence, especially our trans youth and LGBTQ youth of color. The schools on this list openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth and many of these schools have requested or received Title IX exemptions for no other purpose than to discriminate, expel and ban LGBTQ youth from campus. It is shameful and wrong.”
Campus Pride named the list the “Shame List” for the purpose of calling out the harmful and shameful acts of religion-based prejudice and bigotry. “Families and young people deserve to know that this list of schools are the worst for LGBTQ youth. They are not loving, welcoming, safe spaces to live, learn and grow – and nobody wants to go to a college that openly discriminates against anyone,” Windmeyer said.
Prospective students and families who are looking for LGBTQ-friendly campuses are encouraged to check out the Campus Pride Index for a free online search database.
Hardin-Simmons University has qualified for the Shame List because it holds an exemption to Title IX, allowing the college to discriminate against its students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or receipt of abortion while still receiving federal funds.
