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�̾�����ƵNamed ‘Best of the Best’ for LGBTQ+ Students

Campus Pride Ratings Cite Inclusiveness, Safety, and Campus Resources for LGBTQ+ Students, Faculty, and Staff

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NEW YORK and PLEASANTVILLE (September 1, 2022) -- �̾�����Ƶ has been named as one of the 40 best colleges and universities across the country for LGBTQ+ students by Campus Pride, the preeminent resource for LGBTQ+ leadership development, inclusion and advocacy within higher education, the university today announced.

In being recognized as “Best of the Best,” Campus Pride noted that �̾�����Ƶand other schools on its list create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff alike.

“At �̾�����Ƶ, we’re proud to support our many different and diverse communities, and I'm excited to see our LGBTQA+ Centers celebrated as the Best of the Best,” said President Marvin Krislov. “This honor recognizes our work to develop ways to best support our LGBTQ+ �̾�����Ƶstudents, and it will encourage and bolster our efforts to do even more.”

Pace, which has campuses in New York City and Pleasantville, is among 40 four-year campuses from across the country that have achieved 5 out of 5 stars on the Campus Pride Index (CPI), the definitive national benchmarking tool measuring LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs, and practices.

“Students, prospective students, and their families, along with faculty and staff members, deserve to know whether they will be safe on campus, so they can make the best choices for their own academic success – and by creating inclusive, safe environments these colleges are taking responsibility for all students,” said Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride Executive Director.

Dr. Genny Beemyn, the coordinator of Campus Pride's Trans Policy Clearinghouse, noted that campuses are increasingly doing more to support their trans students and that many institutions are taking steps forward in their efforts to be trans-inclusive.

�̾�����Ƶhas consistently prioritized inclusivity since forming LGBTQ+ Centers on campus 11 years ago. Among programs and services offered through the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the community are Q-Camp, a weekend leadership retreat; Lavender Graduation and Awards Ceremony; academic and career advising for LGBTQ+ students; programs that support transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary students; events with drag queens; and policy work for inclusion.

For Julian Clarke-Dixon, a junior resident assistant and media and communications major, Pace’s support is essential for many students.

“The LGBTQA+ Center has made �̾�����Ƶfeel more inclusive and safer for all students,” Clarke-Dixon said. “As a queer person of color, it has provided a community that I did not have to hide from, but instead can flourish in. The LGBTQA+ Center's work shows that established organizations or structures can move to being more anti-racist and intersectional which provides an uplifting and open space for future generations to express themselves.”

Campus Pride’s 2022 BEST OF THE BEST Colleges & Universities is online. The Campus Pride Index full listing of LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities is also available online.