Higher education sector needs to address sexual orientation and trans-status discrimination

Higher education institutions that fail to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) students and staff run the risk of damaging their reputation and losing students, according to a report into the experiences of LGBT staff and students in higher education launched today (Wednesday, 4 March 2009) by Equality Challenge Unit at a conference in central London.

Based on a survey of 4205 staff and students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland the research, led by Professor Gill Valentine at the University of Leeds, found that institutions provide a positive space for LGBT students.

However, there are still high levels of homophobia and discrimination on campus, a factor that contributes to 20% of LGB and 28.5% of trans students suspending their studies. 33.8% of LGB staff and 41% of trans staff who took part in the research have experienced discrimination and abuse from colleagues.  

The report has been published at a time when the new Equalities Bill is due to extend institutions' duties in relation to sexual orientation.

Commenting on the report, Minister of State for Higher Education David Lammy said:

'I welcome this report which is one of the first of its kind to highlight the experiences of LGBT staff and students. We expect universities to be tolerant places, promoting open thinking. The fact that LGBT students feel they can be themselves in our universities is very positive.

But there still needs to be a concerted effort by the sector and institutions to ensure that LGBT staff and students feel welcome and are acknowledged and recognised as an integral part of the higher education community.'

Launching the report, Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Equality Challenge Unit said:

'It is clear that there is a real and pressing need for institutions to address disadvantage experienced by LGB and trans staff and students ahead of the extension of the legislation.

Quite apart from concerns about the fundamental well-being of those staff and students, there will be benefits to the institutions in terms of staff and student retention, reduction of time spent dealing with complaints, the protection of institutional reputation and legal compliance.'

Equality Challenge Unit will be working with the sector to address the challenges highlighted in the report over the coming months.

Download the report

The experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans staff and students in higher education: research report 2009 can be downloaded from our publications section.

Background notes

• The research was commissioned by ECU and carried out by Professor Gill Valentine and Dr Nichola Wood (University of Leeds) and Professor Paul Plummer (University of Calgary). 
• It is based on the responses to online surveys and focus groups given by 4205 LGBT staff and students from 134 higher education institutions across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• The research was overseen by a steering group including representatives from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, GMB, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, National Union of Students, Stonewall, UNISON, Unite, Universities and Colleges Employers Association, University and College Union, Universities Personnel Association and eight higher education institutions.