An Analysis of University Rank and the Inclusion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Nondiscrimination Policy Statements

This analysis investigates the association between nondiscrimination policy statements related to sexual orientation and gender identity and university rank. The nondiscriminatory statements included in the analysis are sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, parental or familial status, and pregnancy. All but one university included sexual orientation in the policy. Only 26% included gender identity/expression. In all cases, the percentage of top 25 universities including each individual statement exceeded the percentage of those ranked below top 25. In addition, the top ranked universities included more statements in their policies than the lower ranked universities