The University of Chichester has been named among the top gay-friendly institutions in the country.
It follows a survey from the Sunday Times national newspaper, which ranked the University in third place alongside several others in the UK.
The ratings were based on a study from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender charity Stonewall, which looked at how universities support homosexual staff and students.
The study, entitled Gay By Degree, found Chichester was among the best for promoting LGBT-awareness and fighting homophobia.
University Equality and Diversity Officer Suzanne Jones said: “We are really pleased that our efforts to advance LGBT equality have been recognised by the Stonewall charity.
“Many gay people are put off university because of bullying experienced in school, so we have an important role to play in changing their mind.
“This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the excellent work carried out by our staff and the Students’ Union.”
As part of the Gay By Degree scheme, universities are encouraged to follow a ten point checklist to support LGBT members, which includes providing sexual health services, offering careers advice, and holding social events.
Chichester was recently awarded a ninth point after meeting the criteria for monitoring students’ sexual orientation.
It is now working towards the final point – Engagement with the Wider Community – by working with groups and societies from West Sussex.
Ms Jones added: “It is not just about getting ticks, though, and there is still much more we can do to progress LGBT equality here at Chichester.
“We are currently working on a number of other projects which include tackling homophobia and transphobia in sport.”
To find out more about how the University of Chichester supports the LGBT community visit www.chi.ac.uk/equality
Alternatively, for more on Stonewall’s Gay By Degree scheme, go to www.gaybydegree.org.uk/chichester
