The Observer, September 22, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 4
Case provides a friendly atmosphere for LGBT students
Case was recently lauded in The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students for being one of the top 100 LGBT-friendly schools in the nation.
The university, described as "a butterfly fluttering fresh out of its cocoon," received a 10 out of 20 "gay point average" for fulfilling criteria including having an LGBT and ally student organization and Safe Zone program, offering a significant number of LGBT social and educational events, and extending domestic partner benefits to employees.
Students are well-aware of events put on by Spectrum, Case's LGBT social group. The group sponsors several events each year inlcuding Drag Ball, a drag king/queen contest; Lavender Ball, a social dance; and Safe Zone mixers. The group also participates in the National Day of Silence each spring.
"I think the biggest evidence that the campus is LGBT-friendly is the success of Drag Ball outside of the LGBT community," said sophomore Seán Lay.
"I participate in Drag Ball every year because it's a lot of fun and it helps support Spectrum so it can remain strong on this campus," said junior Katherine Finlay.
Students may take for granted the merits that earned Case a spot on this list.
"I was surprised when I heard about it," said sophomore Gigi Criss. "But Spectrum has done a lot on campus. It's a good resource for LGBT students."
Support for LGBT students does not come only from the undergraduate student body.
Several years ago, Deputy Provost Lynn Singer was alerted to the fact that a student was leaving the Case campus because of continued harrassment over her sexual orientation.
Singer investigated the resources available to LGBT students and found that while there were several support services available, they were not as visible as they needed to be. In 2004 Singer, along with Provost John Anderson as well as the vice and associate provosts and former President Hundert, formed a task force to encompass the entire university community.
"I believe a university is a unique place in which we have the freedom to learn from the vantage point of others' experiences in a way that is unduplicated in our society," said Singer. "It is our obligation as administrators to protect that freedom."
Case's inclusion will likely prove beneficial by providing a chance to be seen by students who may not know about the university.
"I hope the fact that we have made the top 100 will expose us positively to some students who may seek us out for our academic excellence but may be concerned about the general atmosphere of the state," said Singer.
One of the criteria that The Advocate used, the existence of an LGBT student center on campus, is one that Case looks to fulfill in the future. "We are one of the few major universities without an LGBT resource center," said Singer. "Exploring funding opportunities is one of the task force's goals."
"We have a center for women, an office of multicultural affairs, and it's high time we have a center for LGBT students!" said one student quoted in the guide.
