Examining Institutional Support Structures and Worldview Climate for Sexual Minority Students in Christian Higher Education

Abstract

Using data from a survey administered at 61 institutions from 2011 to 2015, we examined how campus support structures for sexual minority students (e.g., a recognized LGBTQ student organization) influence student perceptions of the campus climate for worldview diversity at Christian colleges and universities. Further, analysis of the survey data explored whether the effects of institutional supports on climate perceptions differ for sexual minority and heterosexual students. Findings suggest that campus support structures for the LGB + community play a role in shaping students’ perceptions of the worldview diversity climate at Christian institutions. For one support structure in particular–educational programs/series–the effects on climate perceptions among LGB + individuals are stronger than they are for heterosexual students. Implications for research and practice are discussed fully at the conclusion of the article.