LGBTQ+ (In)Visibility: A Case for Strategic Enrollment Management

The United States continues to experience a volatile political climate, and the LGBTQIA+ community finds itself consistently in the crosshairs of ideologues, warring politicians, and institutions of higher education either unable or unwilling to do what is necessary to ensure LGBTQIA+ student success, inclusion, and safety (Castrellón, Rivarola, & Lopez, 2017; Gardner, 2017; Reichman, 2018). While the integration of strategic enrollment management throughout the admissions process all but guarantees a more nuanced, intentional approach to student recruitment, retention, and persistence, LGBTQIA+ students are largely left out of the equation (Hossler & Bontrager, 2015; Quaye & Harper, 2015). Generalizing with national estimates, the LGBTQIA+ student population would represent the largest underrepresented population on most campuses; however, the act of identifying LGBTQIA+ students is complicated, and not without potential pitfalls that threaten student privacy and safety. Moving forward with LGBTQIA+ inclusion in strategic enrollment management efforts requires specific consideration and care.

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