A Critical Look at Campus Climate After Institutional Changes

Abstract

This study examines the impact of institutional changes on campus climate. Conditions continue to be problematic for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff on college and university campuses, so many institutions are taking active steps to improve climate. There is a void in the literature exploring the impact of change to the perception of campus climate through institutional programming, and this study contributes to that research. Through this study, I examine how recent policy and program changes impact the LGBT campus climate at a large public institution located within a relatively hostile geographic environment. To evaluate potential shifts in campus climate, I conducted in depth interviews of 15 LGBT identified faculty, staff and students who were present before and after institutional changes were implemented. Respondents noted positive changes in campus climate over the last four years, but also stressed that homophobia and homophobic incidences continue to occur despite the improvements in climate. Respondents mentioned several institutional changes as evidence of the university's commitment to support the LGBT community such as the establishment of the LGBT Resource Office, Queer Counseling group, and supportive leadership. I hope to contribute to the literature on LGBT issues in higher education by addressing the degree to which changes in institutional procedures and programs made by administrators can actually influence perceptions of campus climate.