Schools
Elmhurst College's 2012-13 Application Asks Students About Sexual Orientation
Sources say this is a first, or at least very rare, among American colleges.
Elmhurst College is now including a question about sexual orientation and gender identity on its admissions application.
The Chronicle of Higher Educating is reporting admissions officers are planning to use the question to connect students to campus programs and services.
The dean of admissions said the college is "trying to recruit students who are academically qualified and diverse," according to the Chronicle.
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The question on the 2012-13 application states: “Would you consider yourself to be a member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community?” Students are under no obligation to answer.
An article by InsideHigherEd.com said the move is believed to be a first among colleges nationwide.
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The article also said, "Admitted students who indicate when applying that they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered will be eligible for a diversity scholarship worth one-third of tuition."
Elmhurst is a liberal arts college affiliated with the United Church of Christ.
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