Comparing and Contrasting- NYU v. Poly
NYU and Polytechnic Institute presented contrasting climates for queer individuals during the 1980s and 90s, which was impacted and shaped by their own unique institutional cultures and approaches to queer advocacy, or lack thereof. NYU most likely benefited from its geographical situation by Greenwich Village, which was a historic hub for queer activism and progressive movements. Organizations such as GLU and ALGFAS showed through protest, advocacy, and promoting awareness that queer students were not afraid to resist, even in the face of hate crimes and death threats.
NYU’s campus was marked by a steady evolution toward greater inclusion and visibility for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. The university took significant steps such as launching its first university-wide AIDS Education/Safer Sex Campaign in 1985, installing condom machines in residence halls, and formally recognizing queer student organizations (9). Policy changes, like the addition of sexual orientation to NYU’s nondiscrimination policy in 1986 and the extension of domestic partner benefits in 1993, reflected ongoing advocacy and institutional responsiveness to the needs of the queer community. The establishment of the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Student Services in 1996 and the initiation of Safe Zone training in 1999 further demonstrated NYU’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment(9). These efforts were supported by the university’s proximity to vibrant activism in Greenwich Village, enabling NYU to serve as a leader in LGBTQ+ advocacy among American universities.
OUT LOUD article from Oct. 27, 1991
NYU made progress in queer student life in the 1980s, including hosting pride events, advocating for AIDS awareness campaigns, and revising policies to include sexual orientation in its Affirmative Action framework. As demonstrated by instances of hate speech and opposition to queer initiatives, homophobia endured in spite of these developments.
NYU AIDS Hotline, published in WSQ News in 1987
In contrast, Polytechnic Institute (Poly) lacked a visible queer presence or formal student organizations dedicated to LGBTQ+ support during the same period. The campus environment at Poly was shaped by a predominantly male and heteronormative student body, which contributed to an atmosphere where homophobia could go unchallenged and queer students often felt isolated or unwelcome. Archival evidence from Poly’s student newspaper reveals that negative and stigmatizing attitudes toward queer individuals and AIDS were not uncommon, and that misinformation persisted well into the 1990s. Without institutional support, LGBTQ+ students at Poly had few resources or allies, making it difficult to build community or advocate for their needs.
During the 80s/AIDS crisis, homophobia was a problem at both schools, but NYU's bigger size and urban setting made it possible for more coordinated activism and easier access to resources. Progress towards inclusivity was slower and less obvious because of Poly's smaller scale and conservative inclinations. The discrepancies show how the experiences of LGBTQ+ people at each university during a critical period in queer history were influenced by institutional culture and geographic location.
While NYU’s culture of activism and institutional change provided queer students with increasing support and visibility, Poly’s lack of advocacy structures and prevailing stigma left many LGBTQ+ individuals marginalized. The differences between the two institutions underscore the importance of both community organizing and administrative action in shaping campus climates for queer students. As the 1990s came to a close, NYU had laid the groundwork for a more inclusive environment, while Poly’s progress would not begin in earnest until the 2000s, when national movements and changing attitudes finally began to influence campus life. This does not mean that NYU was exempt from homophobia on their campus, or that Poly did not have queer students.
Despite NYU’s advances-such as the formal recognition of LGBTQ+ student groups, the launch of AIDS education campaigns, and the creation of dedicated support offices-homophobia and discrimination persisted in various forms. Even in a city as diverse as New York, queer students faced the threat of hate crimes, social exclusion, and institutional barriers, reminding us that progress was often uneven and hard-won. Meanwhile, at Poly, the absence of visible support systems did not mean there were no LGBTQ+ students; rather, many likely remained closeted or isolated, navigating a campus culture that was less accepting and more prone to silence or outright hostility.
The existence of queer students at both institutions, regardless of the level of support, highlights the resilience and determination of individuals who sought connection, safety, and recognition in challenging environments. At NYU, the activism of groups like the Gay and Lesbian Union and ALGFAS helped pave the way for future generations, while at Poly, the eventual emergence of LGBTQ+ organizations in the 2000s reflected broader social changes and the impact of national advocacy movements. Both stories serve as a reminder that institutional change is often driven from within by the courage of students, faculty, and staff who refuse to be invisible, and that ongoing vigilance is necessary to ensure campuses remain inclusive and affirming for all.