Best Practices for LGBT Participation in Academia

Friday, February 12, 2016: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Wilson C (Marriott Wardman Park)
Jane Rigby, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Although LGBT professionals are represented in certain STEM fields (e.g., nursing), active efforts are needed to promote broader participation in STEM research and higher education. American Astronomical Society recently reported best practices for academic departments, focusing on creating inclusive environments for mentoring LGBT students and attracting and retaining LGBT faculty. These best practices could be implemented throughout academia and make significant improvements to the climate.