November 28, 2007

Dean of Students advocates for LGBT-friendly admissions practices

(Portland, Ore.)—W. Houston Dougharty, dean of students, will present at a first-of-its-kind national college admissions fair dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth on December 1, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dougharty will discuss what questions LGBT high school students should consider in looking for a supportive campus community.

(Portland, Ore.)—W. Houston Dougharty, dean of students, will present at a first-of-its-kind national college admissions fair dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth on December 1, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dougharty will discuss what questions LGBT high school students should consider in looking for a supportive campus community.

Dougharty is a national expert on student affairs, including LGBT student services. He wrote a chapter for the college guide published by the national gay and lesbian magazine The Advocate, detailing steps colleges and universities can take to promote an LGBT-friendly campus.

“The first generation of ‘out’ college students stand ready at the front gates to the campus,” Dougharty writes. “These students are outstanding scholars, leaders, athletes, and artists. Admissions offices are finally realizing that LGBT-prospective students are valuable to target with recruitment efforts to their campus.”

The Campus Pride fair will feature expert advice, scholarship resources, and effective tips for campus visits. Organizers expect more than 200 LGBT and ally youth and their families to attend the event.

“Finally, LGBT and ally youth who want to go to college have a way to sift through the difficulties, get valuable scholarship resources and find campuses who believe in a respectful, welcoming LGBT campus,” said Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride. “These campuses are coming out as LGBT-friendly to send the message: ‘Gay students are welcome, even celebrated on this campus.’”