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Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
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August 20, 2013
Angie Nichols | Director | GLBT Services | 218-726-7300 | anichols@d.umn.edu
Cheryl Reitan | Associate Director | External Affairs | 218 726-8996 | creitan@d.umn.edu


UMD Makes Top 25 List of GLBT-Friendly Universities

Campus Pride, in partnership with the Huffington Post, announced today that the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) received five out of five stars for its overall campus climate score and made the 2013 Top 25 List of GLBT-Friendly Colleges and Universities.

"Our commitment to becoming a more inclusive campus is as strong as ever, and achievements like this one let us know we are making significant progress," said Lendley C. Black, UMD chancellor. "This is especially important because it is aligned with our strategic goal to foster equity, diversity, and social justice."

The Top 25 list was based on the final responses to the Campus Pride Index. UMD rated 5 stars in overall campus climate, sexual orientation, and gender identity/expression. They also met the criteria of 4.5 stars or above in the eight GLBT-friendly factor areas: campus safety, housing and residence life, student life, support and institutional commitment, counseling and health, academic life, policy inclusion, and recruitment and retention efforts.

"The UMD students are extremely proud of this achievement," said Angie Nichols, director of the UMD Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Services Office. "They have been at the forefront of creating change on campus for years."

The final Top 25 had the highest ratings among public/private colleges and universities with enrollments of 2,500 to over 25,000 students.

"The rating is well deserved," said Susanna Pelayo Woodward, director of the UMD Office of Cultural Diversity. "We continue to offer educational trainings on campus, bring in speakers, and improve our resources and support for GLBT students, staff, and faculty."

"I am really impressed by the strides we have made collectively at UMD," said Nichols. "The State of Minnesota's climate has changed for the better too, which in turns is helping colleges and universities become healthier and more respectful."

Campus Pride is the leading national organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students.

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