Beginning fall semester, a new LGBTQ Studies minor will be introduced at UMD. This minor, under the department of Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, is the only such program in the tri-state area outside of the Twin Cities. This is just by pure coincidence, though, that this made news the same time UMD lost its Campus Pride designation as a national LGBT-friendly school. This program has been in the works for more than two years. “It was a long process, but we’re excited that it’s finally here,” said George Hoagland, the Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies assistant professor. Hoagland was one of the first to propose the minor.
At 16 credits, the LGBTQ Studies minor is on the smaller side.
“This minor will focus on core issues like the representational and identity structures of LGBTQ people in the U.S., as well as the history and the culture,” Hoagland said. “There will be electives that different faculty members specialize in.”
Other factors like the media, cinema and emerging technology will be incorporated into the classes, according to Hoagland.
Currently, Angie Nichols, Tineke Ritmeester and George Hoagland are the three faculty members who will teach classes in the fall.
“We hope to add some elements into it down the road. We are also talking about how to include community-based living opportunities and internships into the program,” Hoagland said. “Ultimately we’re looking to build community partnerships. The minor will be bigger five years out, but for now it’s going to remain on the smaller side.”
The curriculum was strongly influenced by UMD and faculty hopes that this will in turn influence others.
“It’s a UMD-generated program,” Hoagland said. “This is something that the campus very much wanted. It’s important to know that Campus Pride suspending our status has nothing to do with the dedication of people on campus; those are two very separate things.”
The process of implementing this program was very positive according to Hoagland. It was generated by people at UMD who were already supportive of the issue, and UMD as a whole was completely behind it.
“Students and administration alike are all very excited for the opportunity. This program reflects the commitment that UMD has made to LGBT issues.”
Hoagland encourages those interested to seek out this program during registration. It is open to anyone and everyone.
BY AISLING DOHENY
Staff Reporter