Syracuse University Ranked Among the Country’s Top LGBT Friendly Schools

Syracuse University, which boasts a sprawling urban campus of roughly 15,000 undergraduates, has been praised over the years for its nationally recognized degree programs, Division I athletic teams and diverse student body. Something you might not know, however, is that Syracuse is also ranked among the country’s leading LGBT friendly schools. This is no small achievement, as a fully staffed department that’s educated in LGBT issues and resources is typically what it takes to make an impact on campus.

MIT showed us just how important raising awareness and cultivating community through specialized programming and other events can be they’re certainly leading by example. A large number of colleges we’ve chronicled have even had designated spaces or entire buildings dedicated to LGBT organizations.

Let’s take a look at some of the things Syracuse has to offer prospective students from the LGBT community; we think there are plenty of positive attributes to discover (mascot Otto the Orange agrees).

The LGBT Resource Center was founded in 2001 to serve people with marginalized genders and sexualities. It’s centered around four core values: awareness, community, integrity and social justice. Whether students are looking for a meaningful discussion or information on upcoming events, the center, open until 5 p.m. every weekday throughout the academic year, is the place to be.

Two specialized presentations are offered. The first, entitled “Basics”, offers a general overview of the center along with key terms and issues as they relate to the LGBT community. “Safer People, Safer Spaces”, the second and more comprehensive learning opportunity, relies more on attendee participation and varying activities that simulate real-world experiences. A discrimination-free campus is the ultimate goal.

Legal complications and policies surrounding the LGBT community have been hotly debated at some of the schools we’ve covered as of late. Take Fordham University, which not too long ago had a noteworthy professor marry his same-sex partner. The union wasn’t cleared to be done at a church associated with the school. Syracuse actually permits same-sex marriages at Hendricks Chapel.

Strict policies surrounding sexual harassment and non-discrimination are also in place. While there are institutions that let these rules remain unspoken, more proactive schools like Syracuse have recognized the importance of setting them in stone, so to speak.

If you’re interested in Syracuse University, check out our article on Campus Safety at Syracuse.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of joining an organization in college is attending annual events, which quickly become traditions that are looked forward to. At the start of each school year, the LGBT Resource Center hosts a social where new friends are made over scoop after scoop of ice cream. October, which is National Coming Out month, is teeming with programs, perhaps the busiest month of the year.

This includes presentations, visiting speakers, and more socially minded activities like yoga sessions. The Rainbow Bouquet closes out each year with a celebration of the year’s accomplishments, congratulations for graduating LGBT students, a keynote speaker and recognition awards. It’s a positive way to kick off the summer, or even the next phase of your life.

Fraternities, or rather the scene that can be associated with them, is one facet of campus life that LGBT students say they’re wary of. In fact, fraternities around the country have made headlines at an increasing rate over the past several years for their acts of sexual discrimination and hazing.

There are those who feel that the rude comments shouted from houses strung with derogatory banners conflict with their mission to bring a sense of safety to the community. That’s not to say that the campus at large is a treacherous one. The unspoken injustices of fraternity life are just a gray zone for students and university officials alike; safety, in this context, might be viewed as subjective.

With this aside, we think that Syracuse more than earns its high ranking with a multitude of groups and programs already in place for fresh-faced undergraduates.

Ryan James is a ’13 alumnus of Ohio University’s College of Arts & Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in writing and media. He currently works as a copywriter for a Fortune 500 e-commerce corporation based in Columbus, OH.