ENHANCING INCLUSIVITY AND STUDENT WELL-BEING: A SENTIMENT ANALYSIS ON THE NEED FOR A GENDER-INCLUSIVE COMFORT ROOM AMONG IT STUDENTS

Abstract

Aim/Purpose The question of whether an educational environment is truly inclusive for all students, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, is becoming increasingly important. The study aims to investigate the demographic profile, support levels, and sentiments of information technology students regarding a proposed dedicated comfort room for LGBTQIA+ members. By assessing student attitudes and support, the study aims to inform initiatives that promote inclusivity and address the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals within the college community. This research is timely, as educational institutions increasingly recognize the need for safe, supportive spaces for marginalized groups. Background The background of the study highlights the growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in educational environments, particularly in the context of the information technology program. As colleges strive to create safe and supportive spaces for all students, the need for dedicated facilities like comfort rooms has emerged as a crucial aspect of fostering a welcoming atmosphere. This study seeks to explore the sentiments of IT students at the College of Information and Communications Technology of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology regarding such a facility to understand their perspectives and support levels better. Therefore, this study focuses explicitly on IT students’ support levels and sentiments regarding such a facility. Methodology The study’s methodology employs a quantitative research design using a descriptive approach. Data was collected through a self-made questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to 508 IT students across various year levels. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize and describe the demographic profile, the support for LGBTQIA+, and overall sentiment towards the dedicated comfort room. Sentiment analysis was conducted using a rule-based approach with Python programming and the TextBlob library, complemented by data visualization tools to present the findings effectively. This combination of descriptive statistics and sentiment analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of students’ views on the proposed facility. Contribution This study contributes to understanding LGBTQIA+ inclusivity within educational settings by providing empirical data on IT students’ sentiments and support regarding a dedicated comfort room. The findings have significant implications for policy and practice within educational institutions, as they can inform institutional policies and initiatives to enhance inclusivity, foster a supportive environment, and guide future research on LGBTQIA+ issues in higher education. By highlighting the need for dedicated facilities like comfort rooms, the study underscores the importance of addressing the diverse needs of students to ensure their well-being. Ultimately, this study supports broader efforts to create environments encouraging acceptance and well-being for LGBTQIA+ individuals, thus shaping more inclusive and responsive institutional practices. Findings The study revealed that most surveyed IT students were male, with a notable representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Most respondents were aged 18 to 20 years. A high level of support for the LGBTQIA+ community was observed among students, alongside predominantly positive sentiment (75.2%) towards the proposed dedicated comfort room. Additionally, word clouds highlighted key themes and attitudes regarding the initiative. These findings underscore the importance of such facilities in enhancing inclusivity and addressing the diverse needs of the student population. Recommendations Practitioners are encouraged to enhance communication about the dedicated for Practitioners comfort room’s purpose and benefits while engaging LGBTQIA+ students in the planning process to address their needs. They should also ensure privacy and safety in the comfort room design. Recommendations Researchers are encouraged to conduct further studies that explore the long-for Researchers term impact of dedicated comfort rooms on the well-being and academic performance of LGBTQIA+ students. Future research could also examine the effectiveness of various inclusivity programs within educational institutions. Impact on Society The study highlights the importance of inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ individuals in educational settings, promoting a culture of acceptance that can extend beyond the campus. By advocating for dedicated spaces like comfort rooms, the research contributes to broader societal efforts to address discrimination and enhance the well-being of marginalized communities. Future Research Future research could focus on exploring the long-term effects of dedicated comfort rooms on the mental health and academic success of LGBTQIA+ students, assessing whether such initiatives lead to improved retention and engagement. Additionally, studies could investigate the effectiveness of various inclusivity programs across different educational institutions, identifying best practices that can be implemented more widely. Comparative research examining the experiences of LGBTQIA+ students in rural versus urban colleges could also provide valuable insights into these populations’ unique challenges and support needs. These avenues of research will provide a deeper understanding of how such initiatives impact LGBTQIA+ students in various educational contexts.