Clarion University has earned a four-star rating by the College Pride Index, a non-profit
organization that identifies and rates LGBTQ-friendly colleges to help students find
campuses that are welcoming.
Departments across campus answered extensive questions about Clarion's policies and practices, resulting in Clarion earning four out of five stars and being named a Premier Campus, one of only two in western Pennsylvania to earn the distinction, said Amy Salsgiver, director of social equity. Our closest competitor, Slippery Rock University, had a rating of two out of five stars.
The rating shows that Clarion has a safe, welcoming environment, not just for LGBTQ+ students, but for all students, Salsgiver said. Clarion University was the first in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education to have a preferred name policy; Clarion also has in place a transgender athlete policy, gender inclusive housing and restrooms, and frequent Safe Zone training.
"We want our students to feel as comfortable as they possibly can," Salsgiver said.