Monday, April 27, 2015

University of Missouri alumnus gives journalism school $1 million to research LGBT issues

The University of Missouri School of Journalism received a gift of $1 million "to support journalism education and research into the connection between American journalism and the advancement of human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people," reports MU.

Alumnus Timothy Blair "says he is giving the gift to MU to advance the education of students of the world’s first school of journalism on the role media have played in reinforcing stereotypes and shaping new understandings of LGBT people in American culture," MU reports. Blair said Missouri is one of 27 states that allows people to be fired from their jobs, evicted from housing or denied public accommodations and basic services based solely upon sexual orientation or identity.

The $1 million gift will create the Timothy D. Blair Fund for LGBT Coverage in Journalism, MU reports. "The fund will support the faculty and students of the Missouri School of Journalism in the pursuit of understanding the media’s role in shaping perceptions about gender stereotypes, HIV/AIDS as a force of rapid social change, the advancement of LGBT civil rights within the context of same sex marriage and the integration and acceptance of gay people and families into the fabric of American life." (Read more)

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