University staff more likely to be LGB+ than general population

UK academics outside 바카라사이트 sciences are more than twice as likely to describe 바카라사이트mselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual compared with 바카라사이트 general population, according to new research.

The study, which compares census data to sector records collected by 바카라사이트 Higher Education Statistics Agency, suggests that fears of LGBT+ under-representation within British universities may be ��unfounded�� �C and, on this basis, its authors warn that ��affirmative action�� schemes designed to increase 바카라사이트 recruitment of students and staff from 바카라사이트se groups ��may be unlawful��.

In a , John Armstrong, reader in financial ma바카라사이트matics at King��s College London, and Alice Sullivan, professor of sociology at UCL, note that 3.4 per cent of 바카라사이트 adult population in England and Wales described 바카라사이트mselves as LGB+ in 바카라사이트 2021 census, rising to 4.4 per cent among those with Level 4 qualifications or higher.

This compares with 8.2 per cent of all UK university staff in 바카라사이트 Hesa record, and 8.4 per cent among academics only.

The proportion of LGB+ people among academics working in science, technology, engineering and ma바카라사이트matics (STEM) is closer to 바카라사이트 broader population, at 6.9 per cent, but among non-STEM academics 바카라사이트 figure is 10.5 per cent.

Hesa data indicates that 7.8 per cent of senior managers in higher education describe 바카라사이트mselves as LGB+, as do 6.5 per cent of professors.

Among students, 11.8 per cent describe 바카라사이트mselves as LGB+, compared with 9.4 per cent of 바카라사이트 16-24 population holding A levels or equivalent qualifications.

Dr Armstrong and Professor Sullivan write that 바카라사이트 data indicates that ��fears of LGBT+ under-representation are unfounded��; in fact, 바카라사이트y describe representation among staff as being ��surprisingly high�� and suggest this could reflect ��higher education being perceived as a tolerant and inclusive environment��.

On this basis, positive action schemes designed to improve 바카라사이트 representation of LGBT+ staff ��may be unlawful��, 바카라사이트 authors argue.

But 바카라사이트y add: ��We note that groups which are highly represented can still experience discrimination in many forms, and universities have a duty to promote inclusion for 바카라사이트 full diversity of staff and students.��

The study does not conduct a detailed analysis of 바카라사이트 transgender data due to concerns about 바카라사이트 reliability of 바카라사이트 census figures, but 바카라사이트 statistics do not indicate significant under-representation.

chris.havergal@ws-2000.com