Perceptions of Campus Climate by Sexual Minorities

Authors

Patricia A. Tetreault, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Ryan Fette, University of ArizonaFollow
Peter C. Meidlinger, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Debra A. Hope, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

ORCID IDs

Debra A. Hope

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2013

Citation

Journal of Homosexuality 60:7 (2013), pp. 947–964.

doi: 10.1080/00918369.2013.774874

Comments

Copyright © 2013 Taylor & Francis Group. Used by permission.

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) often have negative experiences on university campuses due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Direct and indirect experiences contribute to an overall perception of the campus climate. This study used an online survey to assess students’ perceptions of campus climate, their experiences confronting bias, support of family members and friends, and whether they had considered leaving campus. Multiple regression analysis indicated that perceptions of poorer campus climate were predicted by greater unfair treatment by instructors, more impact from anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) bias on friends’ and families’ emotional support, and having hidden one’s LGBT identity from other students. Cluster analyses revealed four groups of participants distinguished by openness about their sexual orientation and negative experiences, with one group appearing to be at risk for poor retention. Results are discussed in terms of the needs of LGBTQ students on campus.