Pepperdine- LGBT friendly? Forum

[llachans]

Anyone have any insight into the friendliness towards LGBT individuals on campus? I know the school tends to be pretty conservative and am a little hesitant in applying there.

[gin]

There is a section on LSAC that lists all the schools and tells you if they have any LGBT orgs, professors, staff, courses and policies (sorry but I don't feel like looking for it right now but it's relatively easy to find)
I would be weary to go there if I were you. Even though the school did not take an official position on Prop 8, the current dean (or at least I think he is the dean) did defend it

[Grizz]

They're not employment friendly so retake you LSAT

[llachans]

Thanks : )

[1ferret!]

I don't know that I would describe it as "friendly". There is a gay group started here at the law school, which has an alumni mixer tonight coincidentally, but we are still in the process of getting the group accepted as a recognized school student group. My understanding is that this is being held up more by the president of the university rather than the school of law admins.
There are only 200 kids in each class, so as far as a percentage of students that would self identify as LGBT - probably around 2-4% overall.

[SLaw23]

I don't think Pepperdine is friendly at all to many minority groups. I know the Dean has been asked about LGBT groups being recognized and the request has basically been ignored.

[llachans]

I don't know that I would describe it as "friendly". There is a gay group started here at the law school, which has an alumni mixer tonight coincidentally, but we are still in the process of getting the group accepted as a recognized school student group. My understanding is that this is being held up more by the president of the university rather than the school of law admins.
There are only 200 kids in each class, so as far as a percentage of students that would self identify as LGBT - probably around 2-4% overall.

Hm. Alright. Do you think it would affect my admission much? My PS is currently about my struggle/involvement in the LGBT community and many of my undergraduate activities were LGBT-related. Would it be better to take a different direction with my PS?

Also, I don't know too much about California. Is Malibu generally more gay-friendly than the rest of the campus?

[Bshaw]

Malibu as a community and Los Angeles in general is more receptive to the LGBT community more than most parts of the U.S. West Hollywood is a friendly area.

[gin]

If you don't mind me asking, why Pepperdine? I'm kind of curious

[llachans]

Sure. Um, I dunno. I have the LSAT/GPA to get into much higher rated schools but it was the first school that I felt really compelled to actually go to. I was hoping to have it as a safety school, but won't bother applying if it's super unfriendly to the LGBT crowd. I like the programs, have heard good things about most of the professors, and like the area it's in.

[gin]

I definitely understand the feeling. Try visiting the school, that might help

[1ferret!]

I don't know that I would describe it as "friendly". There is a gay group started here at the law school, which has an alumni mixer tonight coincidentally, but we are still in the process of getting the group accepted as a recognized school student group. My understanding is that this is being held up more by the president of the university rather than the school of law admins.
There are only 200 kids in each class, so as far as a percentage of students that would self identify as LGBT - probably around 2-4% overall.

Hm. Alright. Do you think it would affect my admission much? My PS is currently about my struggle/involvement in the LGBT community and many of my undergraduate activities were LGBT-related. Would it be better to take a different direction with my PS?

Also, I don't know too much about California. Is Malibu generally more gay-friendly than the rest of the campus?

I don't know generally if you will get a bump in admissions, I know several of the people on the committee, and it definitely won't have a negative impact. If you have the numbers and like your personal statement I wouldn't change it. I know several people who got in despite anti-religious views expressed in reply to Pepperdine's mission statement, which I believe is telling given the religious roots of the school.
The school of law is generally more gay-friendly than the rest of campus, and Los Angeles in general is not a bad place to be in that regard....