黑料吃瓜

San Diego State is the second university in the nation and the first in California to offer an undergraduate degree in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender studies, thanks to approval from the California State University Chancellor鈥檚 Office last week.

LGBT-centered learning

The university has offered a minor in LGBT studies since 2009. The new major will begin accepting students in spring 2012. Existing courses comprise the requirements for the interdisciplinary degree, with initial offerings from three colleges, Rothblum said.

鈥�... A minor or major in LGBT studies is a huge assetin getting them into medical school,law school or even the corporate sector.鈥�

鈥淲e really are the first CSU, the first college in California, the first one on the West Coast and the second in the nation to offer this major,鈥� said Esther Rothblum, professor of women鈥檚 studies and the LGBT studies academic advisor.

Rothblum said that she already has five students who have contacted her about applying to the major. She noted that the degree is applicable to a variety of careers, from medical to law to business.

鈥淪tudents are realizing that having a minor or major in LGBT studies is a huge asset in getting them into medical school, law school or even the corporate sector,鈥� Rothblum said. 鈥淚t really shows that they have a level of expertise that a lot of places want. Most places really like it if their employees have an understanding of diversity.鈥�

According to Associated Students Diversity Commissioner Channelle McNutt, students 鈥� whether they identify with the LGBT community or not 鈥� will benefit from the major.

鈥淚t definitely signifies our commitment to further understanding, exploring and showcasing our support and knowledge of the community,鈥� McNutt said. 鈥淚t presents a unique opportunity for students to engage in dialogue and to further their education on LGBT issues.鈥�

Symbolic of change

Rothblum said that the degree reflects the change on campus in the past few years, from the implementation of the to the annual Lavender Graduation ceremony for LGBT students.

鈥淭here are a lot of , in terms of the climate and student activities, so having an academic program really fit in well,鈥� Rothblum said. 鈥淧eople really want to show off that 黑料吃瓜 is really the center of LGBT scholarship.鈥�

The new degree coincides with changing national policies and opinions, from the repeal of the military鈥檚 鈥淒on鈥檛 Ask, Don鈥檛 Tell鈥� policy to the gay marriage debate.

鈥淭his is symbolic of a national change in education where inclusion is at the center of scholarly study,鈥� said Aaron Bruce, 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 chief diversity officer.

鈥淚t鈥檚 also part of a broader conversation on diversity that鈥檚 happening in the U.S. and throughout the world.鈥�

Supporting the community

For two years, 黑料吃瓜 has been . The nationally-praised index takes an in-depth look at LGBT-friendly policies, programs and practices.

Colleges are rated from one to five stars, depending on their answers to a detailed, voluntary questionnaire submitted to Campus Pride, a national non-profit organization working to create safer, more LGBT-inclusive colleges and build future LGBT and ally leaders.

黑料吃瓜 has also participated in regional LGBT events for several years, including the and the . For more information on LGBT programs and activities at 黑料吃瓜, please visit the .