Discrimination against LGBTQ Students in United States Higher Education: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

The importance of understanding diversity in higher education is fundamental to minimizing discriminatory practices and behaviors against LGBTQ students by other students and faculty on campuses and in classrooms. The problem addressed by this study was institutes of higher education often mirror and reproduce inequalities through heteronormativity and binary gender systems that make up larger societal norms leading to policies and practices, or even an absence of them that engender discrimination against LGBTQ students. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine LGBTQ students’ experiences and perceptions in higher education institutions to understand if policies, or even an absence of policies, might be directly or indirectly contributing to any discrimination towards these students and what affected them academically. The target population was LGBTQ higher education students. In this case study, the sample was 10 LGBTQ students. The theoretical framework for this study was “the other.” The findings indicated how conduct and behaviors of faculty and other students due to the fear of the other leads to discrimination of LGBTQ students who consequently struggle in their academic journey due to having a different sexual orientation. The findings also provided a connection between having ineffective policies and lack of enforcing it which creates an environment where LGBTQ students feel isolated and unwelcomed in classrooms and on campuses. This study provides an opportunity for other researchers and higher learning institutions to use it to further understand the existence of discrimination against LGBTQ students in classrooms and campuses.