File #: Res 0765-2023    Version: * Name: Take action to create and foster LGBTQIA+ inclusive campus climates.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Higher Education
On agenda: 9/14/2023
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon institutions of higher education in New York City to take action to create and foster LGBTQIA+ inclusive campus climates.
Sponsors: Crystal Hudson, Tiffany Cabán, Chi A. Ossé, Erik D. Bottcher, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Lincoln Restler, Lynn C. Schulman, Shahana K. Hanif, Gale A. Brewer, Sandra Ung
Council Member Sponsors: 10
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 765, 2. September 14, 2023 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 9-14-23, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - September 14, 2023

Res. No. 765

 

Resolution calling upon institutions of higher education in New York City to take action to create and foster LGBTQIA+ inclusive campus climates.

 

By Council Members Hudson, Cabán, Ossé, Bottcher, Gutiérrez, Restler, Schulman, Hanif, Brewer and Ung

 

Whereas, The New York City Council’s LGBTQIA+ caucus is concerned about discrimination against LGBTQIA+ persons and LGBTQIA+ organizations at institutions of  higher learning; and

Whereas, Some LGBTQIA+ students in New York City have expressed that they feel excluded, othered, and unwelcomed on their university campuses; and

Whereas, The New York City Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation in employment, housing, commercial space and lending practices, public accommodations, credit, apprentice training programs, and education; and

Whereas, The New York State Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit; and

Whereas, Joint National Public Radio and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation statistical research shows that 58 percent of LGBTQIA+ respondents say that they are sometimes or often discriminated against at college; and

Whereas, Analysis conducted by Cornell University shows that there is a strong link between anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination and harms to the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people; and

Whereas, The National Institute of Mental Health found that while rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behaviors are high among all college students, rates for these risk factors are higher among adolescents and young adults identifying as LGBTQIA+; and

Whereas, The National Institute of Mental Health results show that students identifying as transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, or other-gender have significantly higher rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts relative to cisgender students; and

Whereas, The National Institute of Mental Health results demonstrate that students identifying as asexual, pansexual, bisexual, queer, or mostly gay/lesbian are substantially more likely to have two or more suicide risk factors relative to heterosexual students; and

Whereas, The significant variation in suicide risk highlights the need for targeted interventions for groups at highest risk; and

Whereas, Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Education shows that students report less discrimination and bias at institutions where they perceive a stronger institutional commitment to diversity; and

Whereas, According to the U.S. Department of Education, institutions of higher education serve as gateways to educational and economic mobility; and

Whereas, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that the attainment of a postsecondary degree has become increasingly important due to technological changes and increasing demand for skilled workers; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon institutions of higher education in New York City to take action to create and foster LGBTQIA+ inclusive campus climates. 

LS # 12496

06/15/23 10:11 am

YN