Soon prospective students applying to the University of California may be asked to divulge more personal information than their academic record and race. The school’s academic Senate has recommended that students have the option of identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender on their admissions applications.

The recommendation has garnered a mixed reaction from UC’s Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools, according to CBS Local. The board agrees that the question would allow the school to collect important statistical information, but they suggest putting the question on the SIR forms instead of college applications to protect students’ privacy.

Support has been pouring in from across UC’s various campuses since UCLA’s campus paper broke the story in the Daily Bruin. By and large, students believe the data will lead to more services to support LGBTQ students, such as special dormitory floors, once school officials realize what a large population they are.

“I think the numbers are way bigger than we really imagine or know,” said Queer Alliance Board member Luis Roman who spoke with university officials about the proposal, and supports its passing.

When asked whether he would mind being questioned about his sexual orientation, High School Senior Brian Vo, who was visiting UC’s campus, said he wouldn’t have a problem with it:

“I think it’s fine. They’re just collecting information to kind of cater to the population. It’s not obligatory — it’s voluntary — so it’s up to you whether you want to or not.”

Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Lawrence H. Pitts will be responsible for deciding whether to pass the proposed measure which would be implemented across the entire UC school system. As long as answering the question remains optional, it seems the recomendation could be passed without any backlash.

What do you think about this proposal? Should all school’s start asking applicant’s sexual orientation for statistical purposes?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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