To think this question is irrelevant and out of order?

[Blacksheepcat]

DD has just submitted her UCAS application and after submitting she let me read through (I had already read her personal statement previously). There was a question asking sexuality!!! She had put heterosexual (she’s always told me she identifies as bi-sexual). I asked “why have you put that”? and she said “I didn’t want to answer it really and I definitely didn’t want all my teachers seeing my answers” so she basically put what she thought was the ‘normal’ and ‘acceptable’ answer. I told her she could have left it blank if she wanted...AIBU to think this question is outrageous, irrelevant and none of their damn business? If it’s just for ‘data reasons’ then they have not got an accurate answer anyway as she has just given the ‘normal’ answer she thought they were looking for. Seriously saddened and disappointed that they would even ask this question from vulnerable young people who are still discovering themselves and maybe still unsure. It has absolutely no bearing on their a academic ability?
In my whole life, I have never, in college or job applications, interviews, or anything been asked my sexual preferences and if I was I would obviously say MYOB.

Meh! She didn't have to answer it.

I think this sort of research is important, as it helps to identify various needs etc.

It's for data purposes.

I don't believe the teachers see this information though.

It’s for monitoring equal opportunities.

In my whole life, I have never, in college or job applications, interviews, or anything been asked my sexual preferences

For big companies with online application forms I think that question is standard, they often have an section called "equal opportunities" that asks about race, sexuality, any disabilities. It always says it isn't linked to your actual application and in this situation I doubt (although I don't know) that teachers would be able to see it.

Isn't this the equal ops sheet that asks about race, disabilities etc and is separated from the rest of the application.

You're right SandyY2K they don't.

Data is collected and number crunched into a computer.

Much the same as when local councils ask this sort of thing, along with age/ethnicity etc.

It’s for their inclusion stats. I agree though, I don’t like them either. I’m an out and proud lesbian but I generally don’t answer those questions because it’s none of their damn business. I never lie though.

YANBU for thinking it’s an intrusive question that should not impact on her university application and in reality it doesn’t. But the collection of these data and the research around it can show how universities can assess future applications. The university has a responsibility to care for a student once they join so I think it’s reasonable to understand who you need to look out for and help through those difficult first years.

It’s on every job application I’ve ever submitted along with ethnic origin and disability status. There’s usually a ‘prefer not to say’ option.

It’s such a shame that your dd felt she had to hide her sexuality or feared being judged negatively. That’s what I would address, not the form.

There is usually a prefer not to say option. I'm bi but I usually pick that especially on work things.

It’s for monitoring equal opportunities.
She has the option not to answer it. Why did she lie on it?
Are you genuinely surprised at this? Have you never seen a job application form in the last 20 years?

FOI response about this from 2015, shortly after introduction)

"Thank you again for your request for information under FOIA.

"UCAS' declaration, which applicants agree to prior to submitting their UCAS application, and privacy policy state the following:

"To assist learning providers in monitoring their compliance with the Equality Act 2010, we [UCAS] collect details of your ethnicity and give you the option to tell us your sexual orientation, gender identity and religious belief. This information is provided to your chosen learning provider after you have secured a place, or at the end of the application cycle"

I think it’s pretty standard with job applications (along with religion, ethnicity ect) in terms of equal opportunities, but you don’t have to answer it. I understand your point but I have to go with YABU because this isn’t the last time your DD will be asked this.

@WorraLiberty...that’s my point though A) she didn’t know she didn’t have to answer it and B) it hasn’t identified any ‘needs’ as it’s an untrue answer.

Out of interest, what ‘needs’ do you think the university needs to know about when it comes to sexuality?

Of course it's for satan purposes. The fact that your dd put incorrect information isnt something they can influence.

Wouldnt you want to know if a university didnt accept anyone that gay? As an example.

This is quite normal now. Have you maybe worked for the same company for a long time, maybe a small one, and also been. Out of education for a long time so unaware they collect this data to ensure equal opportunities and that the applicant doesn't need to complete it?

So was there no 'prefer not to say' option? As you say she didn't know she didn't have to answer? Because I find that hard to believe.

What needs?

Well for a start she mat need some support. Some people who dont feel comfortable with their sexuality, do need support.

Thata not to say that's the only reason she would need support.

my hobby is online competitions and i enter hundreds per week(yes i do win if anyone is intrested)

im assuming your American? im uk

ive been doing this for 10 years plus now but the last few months this have popped up a few times along with the what colour,religion and nationality are you and some wont let you leave them blank either

governments got to get their data from somewhere

It's been standard on the job applications I've dome over the years, and when filling in forms to do with medical/ council affairs etc.
I'm sorry that your daughter felt the way that she did about the question, but you can reassure her that it's purely for data / monitoring purposes, it will not be kept on her own file.
Services keep this data to monitor their demographics, so they can identify if there are issues with getting people of different demographics into the service etc.
YABU as you are nit understanding the purpose, and your ability to do that will then help your daughter.

Did it say it was optional? If it was box ticking was there a 'would prefer not to say' line? It should have been clear.
In any case the answer is not passed on to universities until after you have secured a place. The information is used to check the university's compliance with the Equality Act.

@WorraLiberty...that’s my point though A) she didn’t know she didn’t have to answer it - That's really not the fault of UCAS.

and B) it hasn’t identified any ‘needs’ as it’s an untrue answer. - She chose to lie so of course it didn't identify any needs.

Out of interest, what ‘needs’ do you think the university needs to know about when it comes to sexuality? - Possibly counselling sessions, friendship groups? There are probably other things too. I'm not sure?

Teachers do see the details. The Ucas coordinator (usually Head of 6th Form) seeds all the applications off. It’s not something that they’d think twice about though!

@SandyY2K. Ummmm, yes they do. You submit your UCAS application and it then goes to your school/college for them to check over and add their references and predicted grades. So....she didn’t want to let her whole college know her sexuality. There was no option (as far as she was aware) to not answer the question. She wouldn’t think to not answer a question. I believe the question shouldn’t have been asked. Why do they need to know? It’s not special needs, it’s sexual preference...not sure how the university can help with this? And my point is, they have the wrong data now anyway as she didn’t disclose her true feelings.

One of the options is "Would rather not say".
(UCAS Apply 2020 - I helped DS complete the form).