‘Gay Point Average’ could disappoint

By Olivia Tattory

Some lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) students worry not only about being accepted to a college but also about whether they will feel welcomed once they are on their chosen college campus.

Students can now use The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students to help steer them in the right direction during the college decision-making process.

The bright yellow guide, published by Alyson Books and released in August, showcases campuses that have displayed a commitment to LGBT students. It also offers a checklist rating the “gay point average” of the “100 best campuses.”

Some students say it’s surprising that Rider did not make the cut.

“Personally I see a lot of student involvement in the gay community, and I think it’s [Rider] an overall safe environment for anyone of any [sexual] orientation,” said senior Julitza Figueroa.

The official campus checklist consists of 20 points, which focus on a variety of aspects regarding campus climate in relation to LGBT policies, programs and practices. Through an unscientific study using student opinion, campus policies and faculty input, Rider unofficially received a six out of 20 based on the guide’s checklist standards.

The six requirements Rider satisfied included: “LGBT and/or ally student organization,” “significant number of LGBT social activities,” “nondiscrimination statement of inclusive sexual orientation,” “extends domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples,” “trains campus police on LGBT security” and “offers LGBT- inclusive counseling/support groups.”

On the other hand, Rider was unable to satisfy the remaining 14 standards. These include an LGBT resource center/office, LGBT Pride Week and/or Coming Out Week, variety of LGBT studies/courses and LGBT student scholarships.

Although this score is unofficial, compared to results from other small universities including Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pa., which has an undergraduate class of fewer than 1,400 students, and Vassar College located in upstate New York with a total of 2,400 students, Rider cannot claim that its small size is to blame for the limited number of LGBT resources and activities.

The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) is the sole group affiliated with the gay community on Rider’s campus. GSA offers an outlet for students of all orientations to voice their opinions on serious issues within the gay community.

Mike Rutkowski, GSA adviser, has held his position since Jan. 2005, and feels that although the group is considered one of the major organizations on campus, and receives adequate funding from Rider, there is more that can be done.

“We’re moving in the right direction, but there is always room for improvement,” said Rutkowski. In the coming years, Rutkowski would like to see more educational events such as seminars and guest speaker forums offered for Rider students.

Rutkowski added that there is a high straight-student turnout at its meetings. He believes this goes to show that overall, the student population on campus can be considered gay-friendly.

Matt Hanson, an openly gay student and president of GSA said he has seen both better college environments and worse college environments.

“You can’t have a blanket statement,” said Hanson. “The opinion of the campus environment all depends on the individual and where they came from.”

Hanson feels that support from the teaching staff on campus could be stronger and that he would like to see a greater number of faculty and administration attend GSA events.

“The administration does contribute, but by showing their faces more often will show who’s an ally and who’s not.” But overall Hanson added that Rider is nothing compared to what other students put up with on their campuses.

One of the boxes left unchecked asked whether the University held Pride Week and/or Coming Out Week recognition activities. Although Rider does hold Coming Out Day, which was observed on Wednesday, Oct. 11, it is far from a week long activity to show support for alternative lifestyles.

The academic portion of the checklist asked whether or not the university offered a variety of LGBT studies/courses. Rider, in fact, does not offer any courses focusing on the LGBT lifestyle.

Nick Barbati, an openly gay student and vice president of development in GSA, feels the faculty and administration at Rider have been nothing but supportive. For this reason, he would like to see at least one course offered for students who want to learn more about the LGBT lifestyle.

“I’ve always felt embraced and cared for by the faculty and this creates a place at Rider for a gay student to feel at home,” he said.

Although Barbati supports the administration and faculty side of LGBT, he is unsure about student recognition.

“This is a place I’ve been able to make friends, but at the same time I’ve never been called a ‘faggot’ somewhere more times than here by simply walking across the street,” said Barbati.

“It’s a shame that so few people can leave a lasting impression when so many have had a positive impact on my life.”