LGBT Report on the Way

The working group examining issues facing bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender students is on track to report its recommendations to Dean of the College Evelynn M. Hammonds this spring, according to members of the committee.

When Hammonds commissioned the working group—which includes faculty members, administrators, a representative from the Harvard University Police Department, and three students—in October, she announced that the group would make its recommendations confidentially to her in March. Members of the committee said that they anticipate meeting this goal.

Susan B. Marine, an assistant dean for student life who co-chairs the committee, said that the committee has gathered information through surveys sent to undergraduates, public meetings convened in the Houses, and conversations with faculty, staff, and students.

While the members of the group said they have agreed not to discuss specific details of their proceedings with the press, Marine indicated that their suggestions, which will be based on their fact-finding, will be “probably pretty concrete things.”

In particular, Marine said that the working group has talked extensively about students’ desire for an expanded space for the Queer Resource Center. In November, students held a protest, arguing that the underground room in Thayer basement deserved a more prominent location and a professional staffer.

Miguel Garcia ’12, a member of the committee, said that, among students whom the working group has consulted, “there is a consensus for a centralized LGBT resource center.”

“It’s certainly something we’ve been talking about,” Marine said. “Space is a very difficult thing to find in Harvard Yard or anywhere else.”

Though Garcia said that the exact proposals that the group will make have not yet been determined, he added that the committee would make “concrete, tangible recommendations” in its report to Hammonds.

“It’s not going to be only idealistic in terms of thoughts and ideas,” Garcia said. “It’s going to be with words that indicate allocations and a new plan for LGBT resources on campus.”

—Sta ff writer Stephanie B. Garlock can be reached at sgarlock@college.harvard.edu.

—Staff writer Julie M. Zauzmer can be reached at jzauzmer@college.harvard.edu.