Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

10-20-2020

Publication Source

Gender Equity Research at UD Colloquium

Abstract

This report presents the results of a year-long qualitative study, grounded in queer and feminist theories, undertaken between August 2019 and May 2020, during which time I examined policies, practices, and perceptions of equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBT*Q+) faculty and staff on the University of Dayton campus. Faculty and staff participants from the University community participated in one-on-one interviews or focus groups. Senior administrators were also interviewed.

The data was analyzed in emergent and interpretivist manners to bring together the participants voices to portray, as much as possible, the multi-faceted experiences of being LGBT*Q+ on a Catholic campus. Findings indicate that there have been changes to policies, especially over the last five years, to advance equity. Results also indicate that while the University prides itself on being welcoming and fostering community through the Marianist charism, practices that create spaces of exclusion, invisibility, and marginalization continue. These include an acknowledgment that diversity efforts are not diverse enough; that LGBTQ+ faculty and staff seek action as well as statements of support; and that the fatigue of microaggressions and overt aggressions are taking a toll.

Embedded through the report are recommendations, grounded in the voices and lived experiences of the participants, that will support the University of Dayton in achieving greater equity for LGBT*Q+ people as it strives to be a University for the Common Good.

Three undergraduate research assistants contributed to this research. Katie Gross began data collection on policies at UD's 25 peer institutions during fall 2019. This work was amended by the Women's Center undergraduate research staff and was concluded by Katelyn Barnes (Spring 2020) who provided the depth of analysis of these policies. Barnes verified a portion of interview transcripts and offered interpretations on them; she also created the glossary for this report. Undergraduate research assistant Kate Jones (Spring 2020) verified a portion of interview transcripts and offered interpretations of them.

Disciplines

Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies | Women's Studies

Comments

View the accompanying executive summary and recommendations resulting from this research.

About the Gender Equity Research Fellowship: Each year, the Women's Center, the Women's and Gender Studies Program, and the Provost's Office sponsor two Gender Equity Research Fellows of any gender and from any disciplinary background who work to advance gender equity and social justice through the conduct of high-quality research and the development of subsequent recommendations to share with the campus community.

Each fellow works alongside an undergraduate student research assistant over the academic year to complete their projects. The 2019-20 fellows presented their work and recommendations to the campus community at the Gender Equity Research at UD Colloquium on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020.


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