Vanderbilt University hasn’t made any decisions about the possibility of asking prospective students about their sexual orientation, as the Common Application used by Vanderbilt and more than 400 other colleges and universities considers adding questions about orientation and gender identity.
The Common Application Board will meet in January to discuss adding optional questions to indicate sexual orientation, as well as an empty box alongside male and female to indicate gender identity.
The current application includes the option of indicating whether one is male or female and asks no questions about sexual orientation.
The Common Application has polled its members on addressing these issues and, according to Inside Higher Ed, the membership is split on the issue.
According to Vice Provost For Enrollment and Dean of Admissions Douglas Christiansen, Vanderbilt is still in the stages of determining its stance on these issues.
“We are still waiting to see what the Common Application Board decides to do, but what is of most importance to us right now is determining what we would do with this information in the admissions process,” Christiansen said. “We want to make sure that all students know that they are welcome here, and we try to publicize all of our different student organizations to applicants.”
According to Christiansen, once the Common Application Board makes a final decision, Vanderbilt will then be in a position to determine whether it wants to continue using the application.
Schools such as Dartmouth and the University of Pennsylvania currently ask questions about sexual orientation on their supplemental application. They admit to actively recruiting gay students in an effort to increase student body diversity.
In response to whether Vanderbilt actively tries to recruit gay students, Christiansen said it is a case-by-case basis.
“If someone discusses something such as their sexual orientation in their application, we look at what they are communicating about this and how this has given them greater insight,” Christiansen said. “We want to be sure that we are sensitive to applicants in regard to this issue, and while applicants may discuss their sexual orientation in their application, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are prepared for more information about the resources available on campus. We want to be careful about privacy, and we don’t want to inadvertently create a hardship for someone.”
Junior Jason Elmer, president of Vanderbilt’s recently founded chapter of Delta Lambda Phi fraternity for gay, bisexual and progressive men, believes that adding a question about sexual orientation may be a step in the right direction.
“Thinking back to when I applied to college only a few years ago, I made no mention of my sexual orientation, fearing that it would make me a less attractive applicant, or even eliminate my chances altogether,” Elmer said. “Perhaps, some words of encouragement may have compelled me to decide otherwise. This question demonstrates the progressive and inclusive spirit of the times, sending a message of tolerance and acceptance to students.”
According to Nora Spencer, director of the Office of LGBTQI Life, it is not likely that the change will actually take place for several years.
Charlotte Cleary is a staff writer for the Vanderbilt Hustler. She is a contributor to the Student Free Press Association.
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