Princeton Review Ranks Least LGBT-Friendly College

Wheaton College, an evangelical liberal arts college in Illinois, has been ranked by the Princeton Review as the unfriendliest campus in the United States for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students.

The institution, which was founded in 1860 by pastor Jonathon Blanchard, was named the least friendly in the latest ranking despite the efforts of OneWheaton, an alumni group that organized to advocate for LGBT students at the Christian college.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, OneWheaton spokeswoman Kristin Winn said many alumni and current students are dismayed over the ranking. "College is a difficult and transformative time for people, and it should be a place where people can thrive and grow and form lasting friendships. We're sad there are still spaces in the U.S. where students feel they are not supported and alone," she said.

A statement released by the college declared, "Our goal is to follow God's truth, including what the Bible says about sexual ethics. While some may interpret this stance as hostility to the LGBTQ community, our aim is to stand respectfully and graciously for biblical truth."

Wheaton College was named the least LGBT-friendly list in 2009 and fifth in that category in 2010.