CONCORD, N.H. – In solidarity and support of June’s Pride Month activities, NHTI – Concord’s Community College has updated its online logo to showcase the rainbow, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and diversity. The logo will be displayed on the entirety of the college’s website and in marketing and email materials through June 30.
“Respect is a core tenet of NHTI and the Community College System of New Hampshire,” says NHTI’s interim president and CCSNH chancellor Mark Rubinstein. “It has to be woven into the very fabric of our college. We respect and value all members of our community and recognize that diversity—reflected across the spectra of race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation—contributes to the vitality of our world. At NHTI, when we say ‘you belong here,’ we believe that, and we strive to make our campus a welcoming and safe space where everyone can thrive.”
According to research from Rutgers University in 2019, 28.4% of queer-spectrum students (as defined in the study) and 37.8% of trans-spectrum students reported that they had considered dropping out of college, compared with 17% of heterosexual and cisgender students. This disparity is disheartening, and NHTI is looking to help by offering increased LGBTQ+ resources and support across its Concord campus.
“We are sincerely focused on making our students feel welcome,” says Rebecca Dean, interim vice president of Student Affairs at NHTI. “Our programs and support services are visible and available across campus to ensure that everyone feels like they belong at NHTI.”
The promotion of student mental health also plays a significant role in NHTI’s core values. In the Rutgers study, 31.8% of queer-spectrum students and 33.7% of trans-spectrum students said depression impacted their academics, compared with 15% of heterosexual and cisgender students. To make systemic change and promote acceptance, NHTI makes available free training to help educate staff and faculty members on how to provide welcoming spaces around campus for LGBTQ+ students who feel they need additional support. Free counseling assistance is also made available to all students.
NHTI has many resources available for students of all genders and orientations, including:
- The Learning Commons Library has created the LGBTQIA+ and Allyship Toolkit to help educate allies on how to best support our LGBTQ+ students.
If you feel like you need extra support, please reach out to our Counseling Services today.
