Loughborough is one of the most gay-friendly universities in the UK
Loughborough is one of the most gay-friendly universities in the UK, according to a new guide published by Stonewall – the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) charity.
Gay By Degree is aimed at lesbian, gay and bisexual 16 and 17 years olds who are choosing which university to study at. It provides a ten point checklist that Stonewall recommends every university should meet to recruit and retain the very best gay talent - both students and staff.
Loughborough University meets the following nine of the ten criteria:
- There is an LGB staff network
- The Students’ Union has a student LGB association.
- Compulsory staff training on LGB issues is given
- Information is provided for students on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues
- Events are held for lesbian, gay and bisexual students.
- Specific career advice is available for LGB students
- There is welfare provision specifically for lesbian, gay and bisexual students
- A policy is in place that protects lesbian, gay and bisexual students from bullying
- The University consults with lesbian, gay and bisexual students over issues
Phil Wilkinson-Blake, chair of the staff Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) group at Loughborough University, says the University is working hard towards the tenth criteria – becoming a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
“The staff and student LGBT groups now work much more closely together and diversity training specifically includes LGBT issues. Hopefully we’ll meet that crucial tenth criteria for the next guide.”