Oct. 11, 2021 —  Northern Kentucky University has again been ranked as one of the best campuses for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students, according to Campus Pride, a national benchmarking tool for colleges and universities.

NKU is once again rated five out of five stars. The university was graded on numerous inclusion factors, including policy, support and institutional commitment, student life and safety.

NKU was also named Campus Pride’s Best of the Best LGBTQ-Colleges and Universities for a second straight year. NKU was the only Cincinnati-area higher education institution recognized and was one of 30 institutions recognized in the nation overall.

“Being awarded for our efforts for the past several years is a tremendous feeling,” said Bonnie Meyer, director of NKU’s LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives. “This accomplishment wasn't the work of one person or even one office. It was many people and offices coming together for a common goal of keeping NKU a safe and LBGTQ-inclusive place. However, there is still more work to be done.”

This is not the first time NKU has been acknowledged for its efforts of being a safe LGBTQ-inclusive community. NKU received its first five-star rating in 2020. Programs and resources that assisted NKU achieve its five-star rating included inclusive housing options for LBGTQ students, allowing students to change their name, pronouns and gender identity on university records and a European LGBTQ study abroad program.

“At NKU, we are intentional about creating and maintaining an inclusive campus where students have a sense of belonging and feel safe. It is significantly important that we create a campus environment where students of all gender identities and sexual orientations feel valued, respected and welcome,” said NKU’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Darryl Peal. “We are proud that NKU will serve as a model for LGBTQ inclusivity for the entire nation.”

October is LGBT History Month. NKU plans to celebrate by hosting a series of events which can be found online. To learn more about NKU’s LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives, visit its website.