Campus Pride’s HBCU Commission

About the HBCU Commission

In recent years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country have made significant strides towards the inclusion of LGBTQ+ students. In 2021, Campus Pride launched its HBCU Commission to assist in these efforts and to advance greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in institutional commitment and support among HBCUs. Composed of dedicated university administrators, faculty, and staff from several institutions, the purpose of the Commission is to improve the day to day lives of LGBTQ+ students at HBCUs, providing resources and supporting structural changes that contribute to a more inclusive campus community. More specifically, the objectives of the Commission are to:

• Better understand the unique needs of LGBTQ+ students at HBCUs from an intersectional lens on diversity and inclusion efforts
• Support LGBTQ+ students through scholarships, professional development and networking opportunities
• Support faculty, staff, and administrators through educational opportunities including safe space trainings 
• Cultivate alumni networks and mentoring opportunities
• Assist with mobilizing students to create positive change on their campuses
• Develop strategies for effective communication with LGBTQ+ leaders at HBCUs, providing support to foster collaboration between institutions

HBCU Commission Project(s): 

The Campus Pride HBCU Clearinghouse for LGBTQ+ Inclusion provides the most up-to-date resource to view each HBCU and review a checklist of LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices.  Our hope with the clearinghouse  is to spotlight the positive work and advocate more broadly for institutional responsibility for LGBTQ+ inclusion at HBCUs. Learn more. 

HBCU Commission Benefit(s):

Campus Pride Index  – In development since 2001 and launched in 2007, the Campus Pride Index is in response to the increasing demand for tools and resources to support campuses in assessing LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs and practices. HBCU Commission members receive a FEE WAIVER ($295+ value) to participate in the index annually.  Learn more. 

Camp Pride – Since 2007, Camp Pride continues to be the nation’s premiere LGBTQ+ Leadership Academy for undergraduate LGBTQ+ and ally students. Camp Pride fosters a uniquely supportive and inclusive experience for LGBTQ+ students to nurture, learn and grow as an intersectional queer leader and social justice advocate.  Priority consideration is given to HBCU Commission campuses in awarding scholarships to attend Camp Pride annually. Learn more. 

Social Justice Mini-Grants – Social Justice Mini-Grants for Activism fund and support young activists with direct grassroots activism, advocacy efforts and organizing around social justice issues. Priority consideration is given to HBCU students in selecting Social Justice Mini Grants annually.  Learn more. 

HBCU Commission Campus Membership:

HBCU Commission Membership Interest Form:

Anyone who is a current student, faculty, staff or a volunteer alumnus from a HBCU may join the commission as a representative for their HBCU.   Learn more about the Campus Pride’s HBCU Commission and how to become a representative for your institution, please complete the following form: