As a community we continue to work toward a more inclusive and supportive environment. This is not a goal that is accomplished with one event, one act of outreach, or one policy. The education, processes and information that support awareness and change are on- going and evolving as we seek to respond to the needs of a diverse student and employee population. This site is one of many steps New Paltz is taking to foster an inclusive and respectful campus culture for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community members.
Many members of the LGBTQ community feel supported and have positive experiences while studying or working at New Paltz. However, some LGBTQ students and employees may face situations (both private and public) that contribute to a sense that their work or education environment is unsafe or unsupportive. This can have significant impact on healthy personal development, the ability to feel fully engaged in the campus, or to learn and grow in their educational or work pursuits.
Sadly, we are all aware of instances where bias plays out in tangible or even violent actions. Those instances are harmful to our community and undermine the values we hold. However, individuals will more often recount actions or instances where bias in not obvious, overt or intentional. These instances are no less harmful and many emerge out of stereotypes and fears as well as a lack of information about the challenges and needs faced by members of the LGBTQ community.
We recognize that gender identity and sexual orientation labels vary and can change over time. There are a range of identity and orientation labels that are not represented within the LGBTQ acronym. However, we have gathered a wide range of information that can be used as a resource by all community members to improve understanding, inspire dialogue, reduce the effects of alienation and foster a LGBTQ-friendly educational and work experience. If you know of other resources or information that could be helpful to education and awareness on LGBTQ issue, please let us know.
