Sexual Identities

If you are applying to Tulane this fall, you might have noticed a new question has been added to the application this week. It's a totally optional question, but one that I am very proud is now a part of the application process. The question is about sexual identity--Tulane applicants are now able to indicate whether they affiliate as bisexual, gay, lesbian, pansexual, queer or questioning. A couple of things I want to note about this:

The question is totally optional. Whether you affiliate as one of the categories or as straight, it is completely and totally optional if you'd like to answer the question.

The question is completely confidential. The students who chose to disclose this information will receive information only from our Office of Gender and Sexual Diversity if they enroll at Tulane.

Your answer will not be a part of the admission decision. No matter what you select, it won't work against you in any form in the application process. I know, that goes without saying, but wanted to make sure that was clear.

This is something that our new Vice President of Enrollment, Satya Dattagupta, is very much in support of. "Supporting students is my priority, " Satya said. "The question is optional. Answers will be kept private and secure and will not be used in the admissions selection process or for a discriminatory purpose.  They will be used to connect incoming students with resources and communities on Tulane's campus should they seek it."

Adding this question is in line with Tulane's mission to be a compassionate, inclusive and progressive institution. It also lines up with some of the new diversity initiatives that we have begun to incorporate in the office. We've been working with our colleague Red Tremmel in the OGSD and both the Office of Admission and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, which houses ODSD, are excited to have this option on our application.

Any questions, send them my way!