The University of Iowa recently became the nation’s first public university to include optional questions about students’ sexual orientation and gender identity in the application for admission.
The application now asks “Do you identify with the LGBTQ Community?” and offers “Transgender” as an additional gender option. UI leaders recognize that not every student will wish to identify, but they hope those who do will feel welcome and connect with campus resources.
“The new LGBT question on our undergraduate application reflects our foundational commitment to inclusion of all students, no matter what their origin or orientation,” says Michael Barron, assistant provost for enrollment management and executive director of admissions.