The Vandal family is a large one. With at least 125 years of history, the student and staff populations have showcased their diversity over the decades.
That diversity led to the development of an inclusive environment at the University of Idaho that was recently recognized by the SR Education Group. The organization listed UI as one of the top LGBT-friendly colleges in the United States.
This designation may have initially come as a surprise to community residents, given the location of UI in a stereotypically exclusive region. However, both Moscow and the institution work toward providing safe havens and eschewing the antiquated “North Idaho” mindset.
The SR Education Group recognized UI along with 57 other accredited institutions in the US for offering at least 15 online degree programs and earning at least three out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index.
Campus Pride is a national nonprofit organization with the goal of creating a safer environment for LGBT students in college. It supports the Campus Pride Index, which rates colleges on its environment and the resources it provides for LGBT students. UI earned its designation by receiving three of the five possible stars.
Students, alumni, faculty, administration and staff all do their best to cater to an inclusive environment on campus. The next two weeks are ideal in highlighting this atmosphere with UIdaho Bound events scheduled to take place Saturday and April 1.
For families participating in the events, there are workshops focusing on the amenities provided for LGBT students. In addition, there will be opportunities to learn how the students, faculty and staff work to make UI a safe place for anyone who is here to learn and live.
Being an inclusive university does not just mean the inclusion of the LGBT community. It also means including minority groups and students of any socioeconomic status. UI has amenities for all of those students. No matter the background, the Vandal family aims to include everyone who attends or works at the university.
This is a stepping stone in today’s global environment of fear and hate. UI strives to be a safe space for those in need, and that includes all students, not just those who fall within the LGBT community.
This is a sanctuary, a place of learning, a place to be ourselves.
The Vandal family is a large one, but everyone is here for those in need.
— CW