The rainbow sidewalk, one of the most visible symbols of IUP’s commitment to making all people feel welcome and supported on campus, was completed this month between Stapleton Library and Leonard Hall.
Shown here in a bird’s-eye view, the sidewalk was suggested by students from the LGBTQIA+ community who said the campus needed more artwork to represent all genders and identities and to provide a sense of belonging and home.
Tedd Cogar, senior assessment coordinator and LGBTQIA Support, based the walkway’s design on the Philadelphia Pride flag and the Progressive Pride flag, along with components of others. He said the Minecraft-inspired color blocks leading to the flag and into campus “represent the diversity of our IUP family, where everyone has a place.”
The walkway is on the path from the parking garage to Sutton Hall, where newcomers to campus are most likely to see it.
IUP offers a range of services in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are some highlights:
- Gender-Inclusive Housing Policy : Allows students to live together on campus as a group
- Preferred First Name Policy : Enables anyone to indicate a name preference, even without a legal change
- LGBTQIA+ Living Learning Community : Helps students feel connected while living together in Wallwork Hall
- All-gender restrooms: More than 70 single-occupancy restrooms across campus have been re-labeled as all-gender restrooms. See an interactive map of all-gender restrooms or a PDF poster of all-gender restroom locations.
- Lavender Graduation: Recognizes new LGBTQIA+ graduates and allies for their IUP accomplishments
- Queer Conversations Workshop Series: Brings together community members to discuss important topics and share resources
- LGBTQ Studies Minor: Examines diversity in sexual and gender identities in a minor that supplements any major
- Pride Alliance , Queer Colors , and other student groups: Provide safe and supportive spaces, including a space specifically for students of color
- LGBTQIA+ Commission : Addresses issues that affect the welfare of this community
- Incident reporting: Provides a coordinated approach to address incidents of concern. Report an incident of concern at any time.