While our admitted student packet does not include a mention of identity group support for LGBTQ+ students, we do direct them to our student organizations information (e.g., website) that includes our OUTLAW organization and other affinity groups. We also direct individuals to our Office of Inclusion and Diversity Education for additional resources.
While we do not specifically ask our students to “self-ID,” we do conduct a climate survey (survey responses are optional and approximately 20% of our student population answered the most recent survey) that asks about sexual orientation. The form of the question and responses from the most recent survey are as follows:
Q5 – Which best describes your sexual orientation?
8 None of these adequately represent my sexual orientation 6.73% 7
7 Trans 0.96% 1
6 Queer 2.88% 3
5 Intersex 0.00% 0
4 Heterosexual 73.08% 76
3 Gay or Lesbian 4.81% 5
2 Bisexual 10.58% 11
1 Asexual 0.96% 1
104
We ask for a preferred name, preferred pronouns, and ask a broader gender question which offers students the chance to self describe.
From our application:
Preferred first name_________________________
What pronouns do you use: ____ He/him/his ____ She/her/hers ____ They/them/theirs ____ Prefer Not to Answer ____ Other_______________________
Gender ____ Female ____ Male ____ Non binary/ third gender ____ Prefer Not to Answer ____
Prefer to Self Describe. If you prefer to self describe, please do so here: ___________________
The admissions committee conducts a thorough and holistic review of each admitted applicant when awarding scholarship assistance, and LGBTQ+ status is taken into consideration if included in the application materials.
SLU LAW has a Plan for Achieving a Diverse Faculty Body, adopted by the faculty and the dean, that prioritizes diversity in hiring and includes the following statement: “The faculty and the dean are committed to maintaining an environment at SLU Law that is inclusive and that respects and values diversity in all its forms, including with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.” The dean emphasizes with every single staff and faculty search that it is an opportunity to hire for diversity. Faculty search committee members are required to undergo training that is focused on diversity and inclusion.
Information regarding the Saint Louis University Health Plan can be found at the following link: https://www.slu.edu/life-at-slu/student-health/university-health-plan.php. Information about the policy administered by Aetna can be found through this link: https://www.slu.edu/life-at-slu/student-health/university-health-plan.php. The policy can be found at this link: https://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/schools/slu/pdbs2021.pdf. Information was also obtained by calling 877-381-3544.
Information is included on the University Counseling Center website at this link: https://www.slu.edu/life-at-slu/university-counseling/index.php and this link: https://www.slu.edu/life-at-slu/cross-cultural-center/lgbtqia_support.php.
Most restrooms are gender-segregated. Some restrooms are all-gender and are so identified with signage.
Gender and the Law
We sent two students who were members of the executive board of our student organization Outlaws (our LGBTQ+ organization) to the 2020 Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference (MBLGTACC), where they were able to table at the Resource Fair and attend the conference sessions. Each year we also provide funding for students to attend the Lavender Law Conference and job fair.
Yes, optional for all students
By being humble about our shortcomings, honest about the progress that is still required, and committed to the hard work necessary to achieve equity for the LGBTQ+ community.
Admissions efforts include targeted email messages sent to individual prospective students, informing them of SLU LAW, our inclusive culture, and relevant available resources. Staff members undergo Ally training, and there are Ally signs and relevant materials visible in the Admissions Office and other offices of the School of Law.