MACHIAS, Maine — The University of Maine System’s smallest campus has been named among the nation’s most LGBTQ-friendly college campuses by a national nonprofit advocacy group.
Campus Pride released its list of the top-25 LGBTQ-friendly college campuses in the U.S. Monday, and University of Maine in Machias was the smallest to appear on the list, with an enrollment of under 900 students.
“We are excited and humbled to receive this recognition from Campus Pride,” Dean of Student and Enrollment Services Melvin Adams said in a Monday news release. “This recognition speaks to the work of our students, staff and faculty to ensure a supportive and welcoming environment for all people.”
In the release, university officials said faculty and staff receive “safe space” training aimed at improving awareness of issues and challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals. The university also holds an annual Rainbow Ball Weekend and attends an annual LGBTQ student recruitment event in Boston.
Machias also cites several area church groups, schools and other organizations for the LGBTQ-friendly groups and events as showing a commitment to everyone in their community.
The listed schools aren’t ranked, but Campus Pride says the institutions were identified based on an index designed to assess the availability and quality of LGBTQ anti-discrimination policies, culture and services, such as counseling and health care. Those index scores are based on self-reported university data.
The top-25 also includes Cornell University, Princeton University, The Ohio State University, University of Vermont, San Diego State University and Tufts University.
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