For The First Time, Louisiana State University Sponsors LGBT-Inclusive Graduation

Louisiana State University (LSU) for the first time ever is sponsoring an LGBTQ-inclusive graduation ceremony this week, which includes offering LGBTQ graduating students lavender stoles (image, top) to wear with their caps and gowns. The University, in Baton Rouge, offers a similar event for African and African-American students.

Tuesday’s ceremony honored “accomplishments of LSU’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, queer and questioning population and their supporters. About 20 students walked across the stage in the Cotillion Ballroom at the Student Union in front of family and friends,” the Times-Picayune reports:

The ceremony, which is not a separate graduation but rather a presentation of a lavender stole, let students celebrate with peers as a member or supporter of the LGBTQ community, Ronda Williams, assistant director of multicultural affairs.

“The university is moving towards a more diverse model,” Williams told NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Sponsoring the event “finally says the university is supportive, and the fact that they are a part of the student population.”

The students will wear the lavender sashes when they accept their diplomas in the university’s official graduation ceremonies. That comes later this week.

Coincidentally, the University’s colors are purple and gold.

“LSU is a public institution and supports almost every type of religious organization, women’s groups (Women’s Center), and ethnic (AACC),” Brandon Toy, who is graduating this week from LSU told The New Civil Rights Movement via an email exchange.

“I am proud that the Louisiana State University A&M Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Outreach recognizes LGBTQ issues as an issue of diversity, regardless of the political battle. Future applicants will see that LSU recognizes LGBTQ students and that LSU does not tolerate discrimination,” Toy added.

LSU’s LGBTQ organization, Spectrum, previously sponsored the event. LSU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Outreach sponsored the event this year.

 

Image of Spectrum by Brandon Toy. Used with permission.