A Survey of the Campus Climate for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual University Members

Abstract Although lesbian, gay, and bisexual people on college campuses are gaining visibility and the rights of lesbian, gay, and bisexual students and staff are increasingly recognized and/or protected, the overall climate of the campus remains hostile and often not conducive to professional growth. A random survey of 3000 employees of a Big Ten institution demonstrated a wide range of attitudes and reactions to lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues. One-fourth of the sample had apparently negative attitudes and 47% did not favor granting health benefits to partners of lesbian, gay, and bisexual employees. These findings are discussed in relation to efforts to educate staff and to decrease hostile workplaces.