An Examination of Campus Climate for LGBTQ Community College Students

AbstractThis study examines campus climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) undergraduate students at community colleges. Data for the study originates from Rankin, Blumenfeld, Weber, and Frazer’s (2010) State of Higher Education for LGBT People. We analyzed both quantitative data generated from closed-ended survey questions and qualitative data gleaned from open-ended survey questions. Results suggest that classroom climate plays a large role in determining students’ perceptions of campus climate. Findings also indicate that first-generation LGBTQ students experience a more hostile campus climate. Based on the findings, we offer recommendations for future research and potential best practices for working with LGBTQ community college students.