A survey released by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network revealed that conditions for LGBT students improved during the 2012-13 school year compared to 2010-11. 
Many LGBT and non-LGBT students at the University agree that the climate for LGBT student on campus has improved, but it is still far from perfect. 
Courtney Murr, secretary of University LGBT organization Spectrum, said she wasn’t surprised by the survey’s results and students on campus have been more accepting of LGBT students. 
“As the years go by, people have a more accepting attitude towards LGBTQ students, but it’s still not a great environment for [them],” Murr said. 
Of the students who participated in the GLSEN survey, 55 percent stated they felt unsafe at school due to their sexual orientation. More than one-third of participants said they avoided gender-segregated spaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable. 
Murr said she doesn’t feel unsafe on a daily basis, but when she tables in Free Speech Plaza, discrimination becomes more apparent.  
“When we’re visible, people are more likely to say rude things or give us rude looks,” Murr said. 
Spectrum President Julianne Martin said the fact that Spectrum can be a publicized organization on campus at all shows that the University is safer than many schools. 
Only 50 percent of participants in the study said their school had a Gay-Straight Alliance or similar club.
“We can constantly be out there tabling and doing things while not getting too much negative feedback,” Martin said. “That shows it’s not as bad as it could be.”
Communication studies and Spanish junior Lauren Grossman said she feels Spectrum’s and other organizations’ presence on campus help create a welcoming environment for students. 
“There’s a lot of programs for incoming students and new people which is helpful,” Grossman said. 
Though several students said they feel the University is a comfortable place for LGBT students, psychology sophomore Michael Moore disagrees. 
“On a day-to-day basis, I don’t feel uncomfortable because my sexuality isn’t visible. But I wouldn’t feel comfortable walking around holding another guy’s hand,” Moore said. 
Moore said since the University is located in the South, there’s a greater chance he will be discriminated against.
Because sexuality isn’t conspicuous, daily discrimination is less frequent, Moore said. 
But Murr said through social media platforms like Yik Yak, it is made obvious that homophobia is an issue at the University. 
“If you go on Yik Yak and stuff, people are saying the F-word and things like that,” she said. “On social media, you can definitely see the more homophobic side of LSU.”
The GLSEN study stated that 49 percent of LGBT students experienced electronic harassment in the past year. The study also shows only 18.5 percent of students were taught positive representations about LGBT people, history or events in classes. 
This fall, the University introduced an LGBTQ Studies minor that features Introduction to LGBTQ studies. The  required class surveys LGBTQ culture and history. 
Martin said the course and minor have all been a part of creating a more welcoming environment for LGBT students.
“The information being given in the classroom can really help people to be more opening and understanding,” Martin said.