Those who are applying to private Illinois liberal arts school Elmhurst College will face a question that’s apparently never been asked by a college admissions system: “Would you consider yourself a member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community?”

CNN reports the school has confirmed that the question is on the application. Students can choose to answer yes, no or “prefer not to say.”

The school, which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, says the purpose of the question is to connect LGBT students with a proper support structure and scholarships, as well as to advance diversity. In a press release, the school’s president pats the institution on the back for its trailblazing efforts:

“Of course, we recognize that this question may signal to applicants that Elmhurst is ‘walking the walk’ of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. This is a source of pride for us. It is entirely consistent with our mission and vision to prepare students to understand and respect the diversity of the world’s cultures and peoples.”

Illinois college becomes first to ask undergrads if they’re gay [CNN]

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