In an effort to provide help to LGBTQA students who face rejection from their parents, Rutgers University has established a fund to provide students in need with assistance.
The University's Center for Social Justice and LGBT Communities (SJE) aims to ease the financial burden of youth at Rutgers through a crowdfunding project on the Rutgers University Foundation website,
The Daily Targum reports.
With a goal of raising $19,920 dollars (after SJE's founding in 1992), the project has already collected $7,016, or 35 percent of its goal, after taking in almost $4,000 in the first five days. The fundraiser will remain open until May 9, with donations of $15 and above accepted.
"One must understand the particular circumstances that LGBTQA students may face," said Zaneta Rago, director of SJE. "For some students, there is a risk in coming out to their families, which may include the loss of financial support to continue their education. This fund is only one of many tools our University can use to help ensure our LGBTQA students graduate successfully."
According to the Center for American Progress, of the 1.6 to 2.8 million homeless youth in the United States, at least 20 percent classify as LGBTQA. At Rutgers, Rago says that each semester 3 to 4 students have consistently struggled financially as a result of unaccepting parents or families having limited means.
The "Emergency Fund for Rutgers University LGBTQA Students" will provide relief toward housing, food, tuition assistance, school supplies and other expenses to ensure their safety, health and academic success.
