Acknowledging that LGBTQ issues are worth learning about is a stride toward spreading awareness and acceptance on campus. Later, it could inspire students to take that tolerance out into the workplace.

Even though only eight students have declared LGBTQ studies as their specialization, it’s a start — a good start.

“Even though there are student organizations through the neighborhoods and other places and there are faculty staff organizations as well, having curriculum around these issues is very important for the quality of life in our academic community,” said Lisa Fine, co-director of the Center for Gender in Global Context.

The specialization gives students the opportunity to learn and better understand the culture, while giving LGBTQ students the option to learn more about the history and role of LGBTQ persons in society.

Yes, we do have a comprehensive list of LGBTQ caucuses, alliances and support groups. But some campuses go above and beyond in the effort to include LGBTQ students, including gender-neutral bathrooms and LGBTQ dormitories.

An annual report released in August by Campus Pride, a gay rights advocacy group for on-campus students, named the top 25 LGBT-friendly universities. University of Michigan was on that list. MSU was not. Maybe offering this specialization can improve the climate on campus for LGBTQ students.

This program, while mainly targeting students interested in fields such as social work and counseling, also outlines the growing need for culturally sensitive employees.

Having a specialization like this goes beyond facilitating a conversation about LGBTQ sexuality issues and creating a better campus environment — it begins to open the door for more inclusive workplaces. Once graduates take their understanding to the real world, workplaces improve. Other LGBTQ employees might feel more comfortable sharing who they are.

Even for students studying finance or business, knowing the proper pronouns to use with a trans* (an umbrella term meaning more than just trans men and trans women) person and being able to recognize offensive words or actions could give them a liberal arts perspective if their major is grounded mostly in math or science. It’s an edge above others who might not have had that knowledge.

To gain that understanding, students will have to complete 12 credits (15 once LGBTQ studies transfers to a minor), many of which are also required to minor in women’s and gender studies.

The two minors do overlap in many requirements, but the core requirements for the two minors are separate, Fine said.

For MSU, making the leap to acknowledge LGBTQ culture as a relevant part of history and society is an important one. Just as we accept studies of different ethnic groups and religions, we should accept LGBTQ studies as an important building block to creating a diverse and accepting campus.

“As far as repping LGBT, there’s a few student groups,” zoology and apparel and textile design freshman Mitch Fehrle said in a previous interview.

“But I think the specialization really draws the currency and the importance of recognizing the LGBT community in the up-and-coming culture of America.”

Recognizing different communities and creating a more inclusive climate on campus should be exactly what we strive for.