Postsecondary Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Data’s Present & Future: Public Commentary on a Mixed-Methods National Study & the Impact of Changing Federal Policy

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

In February of 2025, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) released a landmark report in collaboration with the University of Vermont's Queer and Trans People in Education (QTPiE) titled “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Data at U.S. Colleges and Universities: A Mixed-Methods National Study.” The report covers the results of the first-ever national mixed-methods study to understand the challenges and opportunities postsecondary institutions face related to the collection and use of SOGI data.

This symposium will focus on the commentary from three external experts highlighting the report and its recommendations’ potential application for academic researchers, institutional administrators, and practitioner leaders. A short summary of the project report and previous legal analysis will ground the experts’ comments which will be followed by an in-depth discussion of the current policy landscape’s impact on SOGI data and its future in the U.S.


Primary Goals of the Session
1. Increase understanding amongst Education Researchers of current sociopolitical landscape for STEM and SOGI data collection in higher education
2. Provide opportunities for collaboration across sectors, including education researchers and governmental officials
3. Building out data capacity and data infrastructure to center the safety of queer and trans students

Sub Unit

• AERA Science and Policy Sessions

Participants

• Leonard D. Taylor, Indiana University

• Fabiola Mora, Colorado State University

• Maggie Hendrickson, Colorado State University

Moderator

• Travis T. York, American Association for the Advancement of Science