Date of Award

Fall 10-27-2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PhD Higher Education Leadership, Management, Policy

Department

Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Advisor

Katie Smith, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Alexandra Freidus, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Joshua Wilkin, Ph.D.

Keywords

LGBTQ, CATHOLIC HIGHER EDUCATION, FACULTY, STAFF, DIOCESAN

Abstract

As the world continues to become more accepting of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, is this experience similar on a diocesan Catholic campus in the United States? A diocesan Catholic institution is often referred to as an arm of the Catholic Church, often holding a view against same sex marriage and the LGBTQ community. However, the tide may be changing, with a more accepting Catholic church on the horizon. Dillon’s theory (2011) explains how sexual identity manifests itself and identifies it as a global process. In Dillon’s theory, there are two factors to individual identity development: social and individual experiences, with a focus on group membership and being part of a community. Thus, working at a religiously affiliated institution may be a barrier to identity development. The findings of this study are broken down into three themes: LGBTQ faculty and staff experience at a diocesan Catholic higher education institution, Catholic mission and values impacting diversity and inclusion, and lack of visibility, resources, and support for LGBTQ faculty and staff. These findings illustrate the experience of LGBTQ faculty and staff at a diocesan Catholic university in the United States.

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