The Catalyzing a Data Infrastructure to Support LGBTQ Inclusion initiative has awarded $50,000 each to the institutions as a pilot effort to support implementation of recommendations to improve the collection and use of data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity, or SOGI, data. The five institutions are:
- San Diego Community College District
- Georgetown University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Vermont
- Virginia Commonwealth University
The initiative is a partnership of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and researchers at the University of Vermont’s Queer and Trans People in Education (QTPiE). It will support the institutions as they build data infrastructure that allows for the ethical and law-attentive collection and use of SOGI data, with the goal of ensuring fair opportunities for the access and success of LGBTQ+ individuals in STEMM.
“In a time when these communities are facing attacks, this report serves as a vital roadmap for higher education leaders committed to fairness, integrity and the responsible use of data,” said Travis York, Ph.D., Principal Investigator of the project and head of AAAS’s STEMM education and workforce development unit. “Collecting and using this data isn't just about numbers—it's about ensuring that every student, regardless of who they are, has the opportunity to fully participate in the educational experience and contribute to the STEMM fields that shape our future.”
York added: “By adopting these recommended practices, institutions are not only protecting the dignity and privacy of LGBTQ+ students, but also strengthening the quality and impact of the research enterprise itself. Now, more than ever, leaders must rise to the challenge and create data systems that reflect the potential of all their students.”
Institutions are not just gathering data, but they are also analyzing it to understand SOGI data collection rates across categories to understand and inform data-driven policies to benefit all students, as noted in the San Diego Community College District statement of work.
“We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to strengthen our data infrastructure in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion,” said Dr. Michelle Fischthal, vice chancellor of institutional innovation and effectiveness at SDCCD. "This grant allows us to move beyond collecting data and into data-informed action. At SDCCD, we believe our mission of inclusive excellence starts with understanding our all our communities. By improving how we gather and use sexual orientation and gender identity data, we can continue to create learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and supported in achieving their goals."
AAAS will host a national convening from June 11 to 12 in Washington, D.C., to further explore the findings and lessons learned by the five institutions implementing the data recommendations. The Williams Institute and QTPiE will present their respective reports, and pilot schools will offer updates on their projects.
As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego
Community College District serves approximately 90,000 students annually through its
four colleges. San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Mesa
College offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare
students for university transfer and good-paying careers. The credit colleges also
offer bachelor’s degrees in high demand fields such as Health Information Management,
Cyber Defense and Analysis, and Public Safety Management. San Diego College of Continuing
Education, a statewide leader in noncredit education, offers free, adult education
programs at seven campuses throughout San Diego.
AAAS is the world's largest multidisciplinary scientific society and a leading publisher
of cutting-edge research through its Science family of journals, AAAS has individual
members in more than 91 countries around the globe.