New report shows gains in non-discrimination policies at Oklahoma colleges and universities

(Tulsa) A new report by the TEN Institute reveals steady gains in the number of Oklahoma’s institutions of higher education that have put non-discrimination protections in place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and employees.

TEN Institute’s 2013 Higher Education Fairness Index shows that out of the 58 statewide colleges and universities:

• 22 have Compliance/EOE/Affirmative Action Statements including sexual orientation – a gain of 12 institutions since 2010.
• Since May 2012, East Central University, Rogers State University, Cameron University, and University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma have instituted non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation.
• The University of Central Oklahoma remains the only university in the state that includes gender identity or expression in its Compliance/EOE/Affirmative Action Statement.
• The University of Tulsa remains the only college in the state that provides domestic partner benefits for employees
• There are 15 institutions with active LGBT student group or gay/straight Alliances on campus.

“While Oklahoma’s inclusivity protections in the higher education community still lag behind those of other states, we are pleased to see significant progress since we issued the 2010 Higher Education Fairness Index. We congratulate East Central University, Rogers State University, Cameron University, and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma for embracing fairness over the last year,” explains Kate Neary-Pounds, TEN Institute secretary.

Detailed information about individual colleges and universities is available at http://tinyurl.com/md3a7sh.

“It is imperative that the Oklahoma higher education community work to recruit and retain the best and brightest employees and students, while respecting the diversity which comes with that effort. We hope that with the release of our 2013 Higher Education Fairness Index, we can continue working with Oklahoma’s colleges and universities to enhance those protections already in place, as well as encourage institutions lacking inclusivity language and programs to adopt appropriate policies to protect their LGBT employees and students,” stated Neary-Pounds.

TEN Institute will continue to solicit information on inclusivity practices and will integrate additional findings into its 2014 Higher Education Fairness Index. Colleges and universities wishing to partner in efforts to improve LGBT inclusivity or to obtain more data may reach TEN Institute at (918) 906-2134 or info@theequalitynetwork.org.

The Equality Network works to achieve equality and to secure legal protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Oklahomans through advocacy, coalition building, and individual empowerment in the political process. 3701 – A S. Harvard Ave., #183 • Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135 • 918.671.3733 • info@theequalitynetwork.orgwww.theequalitynetwork.org

The Gayly – November 16, 2013 @ 1:40pm