Evanston, Ill. (AP) – Northwestern University’s graduate school has added an optional question to its applications asking prospective students about their sexual orientation.
The school posted a statement on its website this week explaining that the intention is to better understand the makeup of its community and better address its needs and concerns.
The question asks whether an applicant self-identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community. The initials stand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning.
The school says that, to its knowledge, it’s one of only several schools in the country asking the question on admission applications.
The graduate school also has a new Office of Diversity and Inclusion tasked with advocating for underrepresented groups.
