We include an optional yes/no check-box question designed to capture whether folks identify as part of the LGBTQ community along with a free text box for applicants to share additional comments on the subject should they choose to do so.
Penn State continues in its efforts to be competitive in the recruitment and retention of faculty members from all backgrounds. We also continue to support and create programs to recruit and promote a diverse workforce.
We offer the same benefits and leave policies consistently across all employees, regardless of same-sex or opposite-sex marriage. Health insurance is offered to all benefits-eligible employees and their legal spouses. We offer a core group of infertility benefits, which does not include in vitro fertilization or adoption benefits. Health Plan – PPO Savings Plan Benefits Coverage:
https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/2018FacultyStaffTechnicalServicePPOSavingsPlanOverviewOfCoverage.pdf.
Health Plan – PPO Plan Benefits Coverage: https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/2019FacultyStaffPPOPlanCoverage.pdf
Leave-related policies attached:
https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hr16
https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hrg11
https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hrg18
https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hrg07
https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hr20
All benefits-eligible employees who carry the health insurance have transition-related health benefits included within the health plan.
The Student Insurance office handles all student and graduate student policies. Employee Benefits (HR) does not offer health insurance to students.
Campus health services are available through Penn State as well as in the local community. The counseling service is off campus but is trained to work with LGBTQ+ clients.
Single stall gender neutral restrooms are available on the second floor of the law school. They are identified as Gender Inclusive.
Gender and Sexuality: This course focuses on how the law treats issues concerning gender and sexuality. The doctrinal themes that are explored include constitutional notions of privacy/liberty, equality, and expression as applied to categories based on gender, sexuality, and/or sexual orientation. The course examines the relationship between gender and sexuality, based on a multidisciplinary approach informed by history, medicine, science, and broader social and political theories.
The Office of Academic and Student Services has a student travel fun that has supported students who want to attend Lavender Law and other conferences.
The university is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the university to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information, or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the university’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated.
For information on our employee demographics, please see the Penn State Factbook at https://budget.psu.edu/factbook/HrDynamic/FacultyStaffTableOfContents.aspx
We use LSAC’s CRS to query self-identified LGBTQ+ prospective students and send targeted emails to attract LGBTQ+ applicants. We publicize events hosted by OutLaw through email outreach and on social media. We have also sponsored and sent representatives to LGBTQ+ events.