Efficacy of Educational Interventions to Reduce Homophobia on the College Campus

Homophobic attitudes, irrational fears and negative attitudes against gay men and lesbians exist on the college campus (Lance, 2002; Rankin, 2003). Educators wishing to change these attitudes need to know what types of intervention would be effective. This investigation empirically assessed the degree of homophobia in a group of college students, and changes in the degree of homophobia following two levels of educational intervention that were rooted in educational theories and social contact theory. A 25-item scale developed by Hudson and Ricketts to measure the degree of negative attitudes toward gay men and lesbians was used in English classes at a southeastern university. This study examined the relationship between different demographic groups and the degree of change obtained as a result of the interventions. Findings did not suggest that either interaction with gay men and lesbians in the form of a speaker panel or viewing a “coming out” episode of the Ellen show reduced homophobia to a significant extent. Results did demonstrate the Caribbeans and right wing authoritarians tend to be more homophobic. Post hoc analysis investigated factors that may have contaminated the interventions. Speaker Identification was a significant predictor of change in degree of homophobia.

Lecture by Lawrence Small, given at Florida International University, January 12, 2001

Lawrence Small discusses the initiatives of the Smithsonian, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum's travelling exhibits and collaborations with Florida International University. University President Modesto Maidique speaks. Introduction and welcoming remarks by Dahlia Morgan.

Lecture by Glenn. D. Lowry, given at Florida International University, February 17, 2006

Glenn D. Lowry's lecture "Rethinking the Modern" focuses on the Museum of Modern Art as a place as well as the concept of modern art. Introduction by Stacy de la Grana. President Modesto Maidique speaks. Dahlia Morgan introduces Glenn D. Lowry.

Lecture by Arnold Lehman, given at Florida International University, October 13, 2000

Arnold Lehman discusses how the Brooklyn Museum influenced him and others though annecdotal stories and shares the new mission and the new direction for cultivating increased interest and visitation to the museum by exploring the museum's history. He also discusses the exhibit Sensation, a collection of contemporary art owned by Charles Saatchi, which generated controversy in New York when it was first exhibited at the museum in 1997. FIU President Modesto Maidique introduces Dahlia Morgan. Introduction by Dahlia Morgan.