We, the faculty of the physical anthropology graduate program at the City University of New York, support all potential students and colleagues who share our interests – the evolutionary history of the human species and our close relatives. This includes all applicants regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, biological sex variation, or other LGBTIA identities. We know that choosing a graduate program as both a scholar and a member of the LGBTIA community can be difficult. You are not only choosing a program to maximize your academic potential for the next several years of residence at your chosen graduate institution, but you probably also have many questions regarding safety and acceptance: how out one should be, safety issues around expressing one's identity in public, relationship recognition in both legal and public terms, and questions about the details of insurance coverage (for partners and/or for expressing one's correct gender designation). The typical length of a PhD program is a long time to worry about addressing these important concerns.
In this light, we believe that our program has two very important advantages over others: (1) our unparalleled research consortium and institutional resources, and (2) our location in New York City, well-known for its LGBTIA diversity and acceptance. You will find a welcoming community here within CUNY, both academic and personal. Not only will you be entering a leading graduate program in your field that actively seeks out and fosters diversity among its student body, but you will also have the entire city and its considerable LGBTIA communities and resources at your disposal.
In our experience, the vast majority of biological anthropologists are equally inclusive regarding sexual orientation, gender expression, and other LGBTIA identities. While we welcome and encourage your application to become a part of the CUNY physical anthropology program, we want you to be aware of other great opportunities, programs, and resources in the sciences: see below for a list of links related to LGBTIA in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Best of luck with your graduate program search and we hope to hear from you soon!
CUNY Physical Anthropology Diversity Committee Faculty Contacts
- Ryan Raaum, Associate Professor, CUNY
- Jessica Rothman, Professor, CUNY
- Larissa Swedell, Professor, CUNY
CUNY (and NYCEP) LGBTIA Alumni and Student Contacts
- Claudia Astorino, CUNY PhD Candidate
- Siobhan Cooke (CUNY PhD 2011), Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins University
- Christopher Schmitt (NYU PhD 2010), Assistant Professor, Boston University
LGBTIA Resources (in NYC and STEM fields)
- CUNY Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies
- National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals
- Queer in STEM
- Out in STEM
- OII-USA : Intersex in America
- The Asexual Visibility & Education Network
- National Study of LGBTQ Student Success
- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
CUNY Graduate Center Statement of Nondiscrimination
"The Graduate Center is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage or citizenship, or veteran or marital status in its student admissions, employment, access to programs, and administration of educational policies. In accordance with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 and the implementing federal regulations, the Graduate Center maintains a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of gender in the operation of its educational programs and activities. Inquiries concerning Affirmative Action may be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer (Telephone: 1.212.817.7410); and inquiries concerning Title IX may be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs (Telephone: 1.212.817.7400)."
