InclusivECU: Promoting Inclusivity, Understanding, and Education

Abstract

InclusivECU is a student-led group that has set a goal to increase understanding, diversity, and inclusivity for all students that are pursuing higher education. This problem was identified, and a solution developed through the Honors 2000/3000 curriculum. After extensive research, it was determined that while the atmosphere on college campuses, including East Carolina University, has become more welcoming for the LGBT+ population, there are still aspects where the system fell short. Through first-hand accounts and interviews with ECU students, it was found that the current housing policies prevented many students from having a safe and welcoming living space. This may have had numerous factors including individual students being intolerant or even the UNC System itself, namely UNC System Policy 700.8.1 that states all UNC System students must be housed according to their assigned sex. It was determined that a majority of LGBT+ students were uncomfortable in their housing arrangement or even faced harassment due to their sexual or gender identity. When examined further, statistical evidence was found that indicated suicide and depression rates of LGBT+ college students skyrocket when not provided gender-inclusive housing and bathrooms (Sutton, 2016). Another discovered issue was a lack of education on LGBT+ topics at ECU. To combat these issues, InclusivECU was proposed as ECU’s first LGBT+ and Ally Living Learning Community. This provides LGBT+ students, including gender-nonconforming students, with a safe living space on campus. This also allows participating individuals access to LGBT+ educational events, classes, and a chance to advocate for social justice on and off-campus. Having had the opportunity to prototype the idea as a themed living community while preparing for the coming year, InclusivECU will roll out as a LLC for the fall of 2021 and is now tied with and supported by not only the Honors College, but the Department of Sociology, the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, and the Dr. Jesse R. Peel at the LGBTQ center.