Elmhurst College asks prospective students about sexual orientation

[marmar]

from the Chicago Sun-Times:



Elmhurst College officials weren’t looking to blaze trails when they added to their admission application: “Would you consider yourself to be a member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community?”

With that one line, though, they became the first college in the country to ask potential students directly about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Increasing diversity is part of our mission statement,” said Gary Rold, Elmhurst’s dean of admissions. “This is simply closing the loop, in many ways, of another group who has a very strong identity. It may not be race and religion but it’s an important part of who they are.”

The question will appear on applications for those freshman and transfer students hoping to start in the fall of 2012. Like admissions questions about race, ethnicity or religion, answering the question is completely optional and does not affect admission decisions. Students can check “yes,” “no,” or “prefer not to answer.” ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/7254428-418/elmhurst-college-asks-prospective-students-about-sexual-orientation.html

[xchrom]

1. it's an 'easy' way to to come out if one hasn't done so by that time.

or it's an easy way to keep track of you -- when it comes to lgbtiq folk these days -- institutions being nosy could make me nervous.

[Xithras]

2. The real question is whether it matters.

Getting into college is a highly competitive endeavor, and kids will do nearly anything to improve their chances. "Application inflation" is already a serious problem with college applications. If being a minority gives you a leg-up, why wouldn't you check that box? Unlike ethnic and racial questions, there's no way to "prove" sexual orientation.

My guess is that Elmhurst is going to be shocked to discover that half of their incoming applications are "LGBT" in a few years.

[Wait Wut]

3. Could be problems, but...

...I still see this as a positive and progressive act. Elmhurst is my hometown and Elmhurst College was the school I dreamed of attending throughout my young life. Beautiful campus and stellar academics. I actually attended a rally/protest there with my sister when I was about 7 or 8 (possibly 6). Something about civil rights. I was little and don't remember much. Her boyfriend at the time was a student. They've always been very tolerant and even supportive of free speech. I don't see a reason to doubt their intentions with this.

Good for you, EC!!!