Towson University recognized for leadership in LGBTQ+ inclusion in Campus Pride Sports Index

By Kyle Hobstetter on March 23, 2022

Whether it’s in the classroom or in athletics, Towson University continues to be a national leader in inclusive excellence.

In its first time being considered, TU received a 4.5-ribbons ranking in the Campus Pride Sports Index from CampusPrideIndex.org, a national assessment tool assisting campuses in improving safety and campus climate for people who identify as LGBTQ+. That recognition follows TU’s overall campus rating of five stars from the Campus Pride Index. That recognition in Fall 2021 placed TU as one of just 47 of the nation’s colleges and universities to receive the highest ranking possible.

The index is based on five ribbons and was launched in 2015 as the premier resource for LGBTQ+ inclusion within college sports and recreation and is vital for assisting college campuses in making on-campus athletics more inclusive, welcoming and respectful of LGBTQ+ people and allies. 

“Towson Athletics believes it’s important to create an environment where our student-athletes feel at home, and they can continue to learn, grow and be their best selves,” says Tricia Turley Brandenburg, deputy director of Towson Athletics. “The Campus Pride Sports Index is a reflection of the great work done by our LGBTQ+ Inclusion Workgroup to continue to build inclusion and a sense of belonging for our student-athletes, coaches and staff.”

Check out Towson University’s Campus Pride Sports Index report card

Towson University and Towson University Athletics earned the NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association’s 2021 Award for Diversity and Inclusion.

And while 452 schools have completed and released their Pride Index scores, only 38 schools have completed and released their Campus Pride Sportsratings. Towson University is the only university in Maryland to complete the assessment, and is only one of three universities in the U.S. recognized with a rating of 4.5 ribbons or higher. 

TU is one of only two Colonial Athletic Association schools to have completed and made public their Sports Index score—the other being William & Mary, who scored three ribbons.

“We are proud to be among the first schools in the nation to complete and make public their Campus Pride Sports Index,” says Patricia Bradley, vice president of inclusion and institutional equity. “Our rating is a testament to the great work happening within Towson Athletics and Campus Recreation.

“I appreciate their willingness to collaborate with my team on not only our inaugural submission but in the ongoing work to maintain TU as a national leader in safety and inclusion in sports and recreation.”

The Campus Pride Sports Index is rated through five categories: LGBTQ+ policy inclusion, student life, training and education, safety, and support and commitment.

In its final score, the Towson University athletic department received 21 checkmarks in the 22 different scorecard categories.

“The Campus Pride Index serves as a measurement tool to not only hold individual institutions accountable but higher ed in general,” says Brendan Farrar, who is on the TU swimming and diving team and is president of the TU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“It also shows areas of growth, but I have full confidence we are willing and already working toward filling those gaps. I feel grateful that Towson University makes this a priority and shows a willingness to achieve the highest standards possible.”

Along with scoring the Tigers’ athletic department, the index also looked at Campus Recreation, which features more than 30 club sports.

Campus Rec scored high across the board, especially in campus safety and support and institutional commitment.

“Our team has been very intentional in promoting an inclusive environment in all recreational facilities, programs and services,” says Grady Sheffield, director of Campus Recreation. “To be recognized for those efforts and contributions is rewarding and supports our belief that everyone belongs here at TU Campus Rec.”

This latest recognition from Campus Pride Index follows a series of rankings that distinguish TU as one of the nation’s leading institutions for inclusive excellence.

In September 2021, Towson University was recognized by Insight into Diversity magazine with a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. That honor marks the second consecutive year TU has been among the nation’s top institutions for inclusion.

TU is ranked among the top public institutions in the nation according to multiple publications. Learn more about recognitions and honors on TU’s rankings page.