With apologies for not simply embedding the video: my Internet connection isn't functioning quite well enough for me to see whether I'm successfully doing so, or just leaving an empty, video-shaped rectangle in the middle of the screen. So--for the time being--::link::.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3Pmvlc71oU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Campus Pride Climate Index ranks gay-friendliness of American colleges and universities just in time for ‘Back to School’

Nineteen schools nationwide make highest five-star rating; Other schools taking positive steps to 'come out' for their LGBT students

(Charlotte, NC) – As thousands of students return to their college or university campus and as many step onto campus as a new student for the first time this fall semester, they now have one complete and comprehensive national resource ranking for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusion and friendliness.

The Campus Pride LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index lists over 230 publicly available campus climate reports online at www.campusclimateindex.org. The nationally praised Index takes an in-depth look at LGBT-friendly policies, programs and practices. Colleges are ranked from one to five stars, depending on their answers to a detailed, voluntary questionnaire submitted to Campus Pride, a national non-profit working to create safer, more LGBT-inclusive colleges and build future LGBT and ally leaders. In development since 2001, the Index has become a staple in student and faculty research, campus organizing efforts and benchmarking for LGBT student safety and inclusion on campus.

Each summer, university officials are encouraged to fill out new questionnaires and update their Index profiles. This year, the Campus Climate Index is proud to announce five-star rankings for 19 colleges and universities – the most ever achieving the Index’s highest ranking since the its inception in 2007-08.

YOU BETTER "WERK"
A House Divided Cannot Stand

LGBTQ PRIDE WEEK -- November 2-6, 2009
"Intersectionality of oppression as it pertains to Black queer and transgender people"

Campus Pride applauds the LGBT and ally students and the campus leadership of Spelman College.

Spelman College, a historically Black college for women based in Atlanta, Georgia is often known as the sister campus of Morehouse College. In reaction to the Morehouse College New Appropriate Attire Policy and the inherent homophobia underlying the policy, Spelman College has dedicated their first annual LGBT Pride Week to the issue. The theme of the entire week is "A House Divided Cannot Stand".

During the week of Nov 2-6, the college through Afrekete - the LGBTQ and allies organization housed at Spelman College in the Women's Research and Resource Center hopes to "raise awareness on campus, debunk a lot of the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding LGBTQIQ individual, and challenge fellow Spelmanites and Morehouse brothers to stand with us in the fight for equality." One of the featured events that bring the week to a close is The Appropriate Dress Attire WERK Fashion Show sponsored by Afrekete and Safe Space.

Campus Pride supports Spelman College in its educational efforts to keep the dialogue alive.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

11/2/09 - Monday
MOVIE NIGHT -
Featuring the documentary "U-PEOPLE". This documentary, taking place in New York, is a depiction of the diversity, community and struggle that you will find in the lesbian community. There will be popcorn served and discussion held after the movie.

11/4/09 - Wednesday