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Contested Diversity? The Institutionalization of LGBTQ-Supportive Features in U.S. Higher Education, 1980 to 2018

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Title: Contested Diversity? The Institutionalization of LGBTQ-Supportive Features in U.S. Higher Education, 1980 to 2018
Language: English
Authors: Hannah K. D'Apice (ORCID 0000-0003-2884-2114), Christine Min Wotipka (ORCID 0000-0003-4931-0854)
Source: Sociology of Education. 2026 99(2):134-152.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Contract Number: R305B140009
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Higher Education, LGBTQ People, Resource Centers, Courses, Social Bias, Civil Rights, College Role, Diversity, Educational History, Religious Factors, Political Issues, Student Personnel Services, Institutional Characteristics, Gender Identity
DOI: 10.1177/00380407251407954
ISSN: 0038-0407
1939-8573
Abstract: This study seeks to understand the extent of and explanations for the institutionalization of sexuality and gender identity in U.S. higher education institutions (HEIs). Using original longitudinal data collected on a national probability sample of 234 four-year HEIs, covering 1980 to 2018, we examine whether and when HEIs establish two key lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) supportive features: LGBTQ resource centers and LGBTQ studies programs. We argue that sexuality and gender identity have not been institutionalized to the same extent as other diversity features because they remain contested or viewed with ambivalence in some HEIs. Findings suggest that institutions that already demonstrate support for gender diversity or are associated with other institutions that signal such support are more likely to institutionalize these supportive features. In the case of LGBTQ rights, HEIs may therefore be particularly responsive to their institutional environments.
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1502141
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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PubType: Academic Journal
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  Data: Contested Diversity? The Institutionalization of LGBTQ-Supportive Features in U.S. Higher Education, 1980 to 2018
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Hannah+K%2E+D'Apice%22">Hannah K. D'Apice</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2884-2114">0000-0003-2884-2114</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Christine+Min+Wotipka%22">Christine Min Wotipka</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4931-0854">0000-0003-4931-0854</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Sociology+of+Education%22"><i>Sociology of Education</i></searchLink>. 2026 99(2):134-152.
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  Data: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
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  Data: 19
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22LGBTQ+People%22">LGBTQ People</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Resource+Centers%22">Resource Centers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Courses%22">Courses</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+Bias%22">Social Bias</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Civil+Rights%22">Civil Rights</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Role%22">College Role</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Diversity%22">Diversity</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+History%22">Educational History</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Religious+Factors%22">Religious Factors</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Political+Issues%22">Political Issues</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Personnel+Services%22">Student Personnel Services</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Institutional+Characteristics%22">Institutional Characteristics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Gender+Identity%22">Gender Identity</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1177/00380407251407954
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  Data: 0038-0407<br />1939-8573
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  Data: This study seeks to understand the extent of and explanations for the institutionalization of sexuality and gender identity in U.S. higher education institutions (HEIs). Using original longitudinal data collected on a national probability sample of 234 four-year HEIs, covering 1980 to 2018, we examine whether and when HEIs establish two key lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) supportive features: LGBTQ resource centers and LGBTQ studies programs. We argue that sexuality and gender identity have not been institutionalized to the same extent as other diversity features because they remain contested or viewed with ambivalence in some HEIs. Findings suggest that institutions that already demonstrate support for gender diversity or are associated with other institutions that signal such support are more likely to institutionalize these supportive features. In the case of LGBTQ rights, HEIs may therefore be particularly responsive to their institutional environments.
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  Data: EJ1502141
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=eric&AN=EJ1502141
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        Value: 10.1177/00380407251407954
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 19
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      – SubjectFull: Higher Education
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      – SubjectFull: LGBTQ People
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      – SubjectFull: Resource Centers
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      – SubjectFull: Courses
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      – SubjectFull: Social Bias
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      – SubjectFull: Civil Rights
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      – SubjectFull: Diversity
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      – SubjectFull: Educational History
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      – SubjectFull: Gender Identity
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