Elmhurst College asks students about LGBT status

Elmhurst College has become the first in the country to ask students directly on admissions applications about their gender identity and sexual orientation.

The application asks: “Would you consider yourself to be a member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community?”

Elmhurst College admissions dean Gary Rold says students who answer “yes” may be eligible for a scholarship that will pay up to a third of tuition. He says the information also will help officials direct incoming students to services and groups that could help them on campus.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports the question will appear on applications for students hoping to start in the fall of 2012. Like questions about race and religion, answering is optional and won’t affect admissions decisions.