Written by Lexx Thornton
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have always provided a safe and affirming space for Black students. HBCUs instill cultural pride. They also shield students from having to navigate racism at predominantly white institutions. At HBCUs, students aspire to be themselves and join an inclusive and welcoming culture. LGBTQ+ students at HBCUs need a supportiveenvironment as they navigate multiple forms of discrimination—racism, homophobia, andtransphobia. While LGBTQ+ inclusion at all colleges, including HBCUs, has a long way to go, many of these institutions are committed to expanding services and support for LGBTQ+students.
What Makes an HBCU LGBTQ+-Inclusive?
Regardless of the institution you choose, there are key factors that indicate whether a college is inclusive of LGBTQ+ students.
For LGBTQ+ HBCU students, many of the challenges they face can be amplified. These include a lack of faculty and professionals who advocate for LGBTQ+ support on campus, college and housing affordability, and mental healthcare resources.
In partnership with Campus Pride, Best Colleges has assessed HBCUs in the United States based on variables listed by the Campus Pride HBCU Clearinghouse (a Campus Pride HBCUCommission project), some of which include:
1.Nondiscrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation
2.LGBTQ+ studies programs and course offerings
3.Ally program and/or Safe Zone trainings
4.Resource center/office responsible for LGBTQ+ student support services
Top LGBTQ+-Inclusive HBCUs
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. They then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey:
1.Howard University
2.Fayetteville State University
3.Spelman College
4.Hampton University
5.Winston-Salem State University
6.North Carolina Central University
7.Southern University and A&M College
8.Albany StateUniversity
9.Delaware State University
10.Prairie View A&M University