Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University can continue taking pride in its efforts to reach lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals on campus.

The university has received 4.5 stars out of 5 stars in the Campus Pride Index rating for 2013-2014. The rating is a result of collaboration among multiple campus organizations, including the university's LGBT Resource Center, housing and dining services, the Union Program Council and the Student Governing Association, said Brandon Haddock, student services coordinator at the LGBT Resource Center.

"It has been a major goal to make this a collaborative campus effort to educate our students and to make our campus a safe and affirming place for those who are of different sexualities or gender identities," said Haddock, who is also a doctoral student in geography.

The Campus Pride Index is a tool that helps campuses learn ways to improve their LGBT campus life and become more inclusive, welcoming and respectful of LGBT and Ally people. Campus Pride is an organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender students.

Since opening in fall 2010, the university's LGBT Resource Center has created programming and educational opportunities for sexuality and gender minorities on campus. The center is the first full-time resource center for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals at an institution of higher learning in Kansas.

After collaborative efforts across campus, the university now meets nearly all student-based criteria for the Campus Pride Index.

"We have come such a long way, from 1.5 stars in 2009 to 4.5 stars this year," said Haddock. "This improvement says that as a campus we are working together to meet the needs of all of our students. The work is not finished and we must make sure that we continue to set our goals for equality even higher for our campus."