On Thursday, September 23, 2010, Campus Progress briefed Capitol Hill staff and higher education professionals on a new report by the Q Research Institute for Higher Education. The report, entitled State of Higher Education for LGBT People, documents the persistent harassment and discrimination facing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students, faculty, and staff on college campuses across the United States.

Shane Windmeyer, Executive Director of Campus Pride, says the report is the newest and largest of its kind, revealing a "chilly" campus climate. Lead Researcher, Dr. Sue Rankin, adds that the non-inclusive campus climate interferes with the ability of LGBT people to work, live, or learn on campus.

Of the 300 universities included in this report, less than 7% offer institutional support that address LGBT issues. In fact, the majority of the nearly 4,500 colleges and universities in the United States do not consider the needs of LGBT people on campus where only 13 percent and 6 percent offer non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, respectively.

43 percent of transgender students, faculty, and staff reported fearing for their physical safety on campus-a finding particularly impacting transgender people of color.

Campus Progress was joined by representatives from the U.S. Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and Campus Pride. Here is the Washington Post's take on the event.

Campus Progress Policy and Advocacy Manager Angela Peoples address Congressional staffers and other attendees on the report.

Campus Progress and Campus Pride filled the Capitol Hill briefing room.