The University of Colorado is considering asking applicants to disclose their sexual orientation when applying to attend the school in order to compile better data on the Boulder campus’s LGBTQ population.

CU spokesman Ryan Huff said the question would be completely voluntary and would not affect a student’s chances at admission.

Elmhurst College in Illinois was the first to ask prospective students about their sexual orientation in 2011, and more and more colleges have since added the option to their own applications.

“Other universities have found that asking those questions creates a more welcoming environment, provides better statistical information and helps to ensure an appropriate level of student services,” Huff said. “So we’ve started to have that conversation on whether we want to ask similar questions in an inclusive way.”

There is currently no timeline as to when CU might roll out the new applications or what the question itself would look like. Huff said the university also isn’t sure yet whether it would use the data for things such as diversity scholarships or anything other than data collection.

CU uses the Common Application, which allows students to apply to any of the hundreds of participating universities with a single form. But Huff said that application still allows for schools to add their own personalized questions.

The university’s student news publication, the CU Independent, first reported on the sexual orientation question, and said it would begin appearing on applications next year. But Huff said that’s not the case, and that plans “are still in the development phase.”

“While no final plans have been made, it’s certainly something we are considering,” Huff added.

Mardi Moore, the executive director of Out Boulder County, said she is in favor of putting the question on applications.

“It’s a great idea,” Moore said. “Knowing those numbers helps you plan for the resources you need to serve folks. By knowing the numbers, you can provide adequate services.”

Moore said that in addition to funding, data collection is important in addressing other areas of concern.

For instance, she pointed to a survey of Colorado grade school students that added gender identity options to the survey, and, as a result, was able to find that transgender youth were at a higher risk for bullying and self-harm.

“A lack of data affects so many area,” Moore said. “The LGBT community has some issues that need to be addressed that other populations don’t have, so it’s important to be able to collect that data.”

Moore also echoed CU’s idea that the question would actually serve to create a more welcoming environment for LGBT students.

“As LGBT folks, we grow up in a world that isn’t always welcoming,” Moore said. “So something as simple as a business putting up a rainbow flag says, ‘You are welcome here.’ By asking these questions, you are setting the same kind of reception.”

Mitchell Byars: 303-473-1329, byarsm@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/mitchellbyars