Faculty and staff at Washington State University (WSU) Vancouver have established PRISM, an affinity group aimed at fostering connections and community among LGBTQ+ individuals, advocates, and allies working at the university.
PRISM was created to address the isolation that can be experienced by being the only LGBTQ+ person in an office or department. The group has organized various events, including off-campus gatherings, a community-building event, and a book club, with plans to participate in Vancouver’s annual “Saturday in the Park” Pride event.
PRISM, which currently has around 20 members and is expanding, not only aims to provide support and a sense of belonging to LGBTQ+ employees but also hopes to advocate for their rights and create processes that are more inclusive. The establishment of PRISM is seen as a step towards improving employee retention and addressing the lower hiring rates and higher attrition rates experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The group has successfully laid the groundwork for its future by appointing new leaders for the upcoming academic year, ensuring its continued existence on the WSU Vancouver campus.
Featured in WSU Insider, June 20, 2023
