Taking Pride in LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Two years ago, when Perry Greene, Ph.D., stepped into his new role as Adelphi’s first vice president of diversity and inclusion, Adelphi ranked a 3 out of 5 on the Campus Pride Index, the national ranking benchmarking tool that measures an institution’s commitment to LGBTQ+-inclusive policy, program and practice. “We set out to improve that,” he said.

Dr. Greene worked closely with many people and offices at the University to complete 13 initiatives to recognize and support students, faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQ+, from the Center for Student Involvement holding a Lavender and Multicultural Graduation to the option to choose gender pronouns and find LGBTQ+friendly roommates. The LGBTQ+ Task Force, chaired by Adam Visconti, associate director of residential life and housing, was instrumental in creating all-gender restrooms and interactive maps highlighting their locations. The LGBTQ+ and Allies Committee, chaired by Associate Professor Carol Sussal, D.S.W., develops strategies, initiatives and programs for acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, and the LGBTQ+ Empowerment Group provides a safe space for students to discuss concerns.

“Our efforts and attitude are symbolized by a Pride flag displayed prominently in front of Hagedorn, a permanent signal that this is an important issue for us,” said Dr. Greene.

In 2017 the Campus Pride Index recognized Adelphi’s progress by awarding the University a four-star rating and in 2018 designating Adelphi as a Premier Campus “for going above and beyond,” said Dr. Greene.

“What we’re using the pride index to do is to measure how effective we are,” he continued. “This is an important issue for us as an institution.”

He added that Adelphi will seek to further improve its Campus Pride Index ranking with “a renewed focus on scholarships and mentoring,” as well as the formation of an LGBTQ+ alumni chapter and LGBTQ+ Affinity Group.