About LGBTQ+ AC

The purpose of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Advocacy Council is to ensure that LGBT people and issues matter at Western and the larger community. We provide support, advocacy, and resources for the students, staff and faculty at Western Washington University.

The LGBTQ+ Advocacy Council (LGBTQ+ AC) is a university committee composed of faculty and staff, with student representation, who meet on a regular basis and serve the needs and interests of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Ally population on Western's campus.

The University LGBTQ+ Advocacy Council supports the LGBTQ+ director by doing the following:

  1. foster an environment that supports LGBTQ+ students in their growth and development in order to achieve academic and personal success;
  2. support and advocate for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff as they address issues of safety/ hostility and discrimination/inclusion in the university community and its broader community;
  3. serve as an advocate and resource for WWU students, faculty, staff, and campus organizations by supporting diversity and anti-discrimination policies;
  4. promote the use of current and accurate information about LGBTQ+ individuals and issues, and, in general, the use of inclusive language within both the academic and social contexts of the university community and its broader community.
  5. offer availability to the president and administration regarding these issues and constituencies on campus.

WWU LGBT Advocacy Council

In earlier years,the Council operated with approvals by voting majority of a core council of designated voting members. In more recent times, the Council has operated with a working consensus with contributions from all in the room during meetings/discussion, or input from across the constituency.

Among Those Contributing to Council/Council-Related Work:

Garth Amundsen, Suzanne Baker, Ronna Biggs, Rich Brown, Joanne DeMark, Holly Diaz, Raine Dozier, Brandon Dupont, Craig Dunn, Tim Fitzpatrick, Deborah Frost, Casey Hayden, Vicki Hsueh, Elisabeth Joffrion, Chris O'Hana, L.K. Langley, Trula Nicholas, Mari Spira, Chris Vargas, Sara Wilson, AS VP Diversity, AS QRC Office

Council Contact Information:

LGBTAC@wwu.edu

Website: lgbtac.wwu.edu

(360)-650-4187

WWU, 516 High Street, VU 506C, Bellingham, WA 98225-9105

Contact the committee chairs for information on joining the committees.

While it is the University’s responsibility to ensure that LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff and their issues matter, the Council and these committees provide strategic direction, guidance, consultation and support to the University. The Council meets at least once/ quarter during the academic year.

The LGBTQ+ AC annually completes a summary report of committee activities and submits the report to the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity’s office, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic Support Services’ office, and the Equal Opportunity Office. Contact the LBGTQ+ AC Chair for details.

The most recent assessment is the State of Higher Education for LGBTQ+ People which is a comprehensive national research. The report documents experiences of over 5000 students, faculty, staff and administrators who identify as LGBTQ+ AC at colleges and universities across the United States. Recommendations and findings from the national study provide the means for student activists, campus program planners and policy makers to implement strategic initiatives to address the needs and concerns of their LGBTQ+ AC students and employees. To learn more visit http://www.campuspride.org/research/.

This survey tool focuses on assessing current policies and practices, but does not gather information on attitudes and perceptions. Western is in a strong ranking position and the LGBTQ+ AC will use this information to help shape future programs and recommendations.

You can also review a 1992 project study conducted at Western by Dr. Pat Fabiano entitled “Building Connections and Community with Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Students on a Rural University Campus for Effective Sexual Health Promotion.”

Prospective LGBTQ+ and ally students often want to know how campuses are prepared for them. Western continues to pay attention to national, state and regional rankings, and our current ranking is being prepared for this site: https://www.campuspride.org/research/