DePaul University, like many universities across the country, has been faced with the challenge of addressing the needs, concerns, and issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, staff, and faculty.  In the fall of 2003, an Ad Hoc Committee of students, staff, faculty and alumni formed to evaluate and assess the needs of DePaul’s LGBTQ student population and the existing resources and services addressing the needs of this group.  The Ad Hoc Committee found that DePaul University’s responses to the needs, issues, and concerns of LGBTQ students, staff, and faculty in terms of support services, resources, programming, and curriculum has been inconsistent at best, and sorely lacking at worst.

In an effort to assess the needs and issues at DePaul, the Committee developed and distributed an LGBT Resource Center Survey to 1000 undergraduate students.  The survey responses demonstrated: a general lack of knowledge about LGBT issues, a relative ignorance about LGBT needs and concerns, and a significant number of people who indicated anger and hostility toward LGBT identities, issues, and concerns.  Those students who identified as LGBT, however, communicated a strong need and interest in the development of support systems, resources, and programming around LGBT issues.

Given the need for a more comprehensive approach to supporting LGBTQ students on campus and the need for education and awareness about LGBTQ issues, the committee has both proposed and been approved for an Office of LGBTQA Student Services.  The Office of LGBTQA Student Services will also allow the university to continue its evolution and become a more progressive, diverse, and supportive community.