Attitudes Among University Undergraduates Toward LGB and Five Ethnic/Racial Groups

Abstract

Three hundred twenty-six undergraduates who participated in a diversity-based course or voluntary intergroup dialogues completed a written questionnaire about their attitudes toward and comfort with people who are African American, Asian American, First Nation, Latina/o, white, and lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Secondary analysis of quantitative items revealed that students were significantly more likely to report greater discomfort with and more negative attitudes toward LGB individuals than toward the specified ethnic/racial groups. Respondents' gender, ethnic/racial, sexual orientation, and religious differences were correlated with attitudes and comfort.

Key Words:

• Campus climate
• heterosexism
• higher education
• homophobia
• intergroup relations
• multicultural education
• racism
• student attitudes