Enhancing Inclusivity and Student Well-Being: A Sentiment Analysis on the Need for a Gender-Inclusive Comfort Room Among IT Students
Authors: Norman Patacsil Olipas Cris , Anne G Cochanco Rose 
Published: February 2025

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of the study is 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.

Background: The background of the study highlights the growing recognition of the im-portance of inclusivity and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in educational environments, particularly in the context of Information Technology programs. 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 regarding such a facility to better understand their perspectives and support levels

Methodology: The methodology of the study employs a quantitative research design using a descriptive approach. A survey was administered to 508 Information Technology students across various year levels through a self-developed instrument via Google Forms. Sentiment analysis was conducted using a rule-based approach with Python programming and the TextBlob library, complemented by data visualization tools to effectively present the findings

Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of LGBTQIA+ inclusivity within educational settings by providing empirical data on the sentiments and support levels of Information Technology students regarding a dedicated comfort room. It highlights the demographic profile of the student population and emphasizes the importance of addressing their needs for safe spaces. The findings can in-form institutional policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity, fostering a supportive environment, and guiding future research on LGBTQIA+ issues in higher education.

Findings: The major findings of the study include
1. The surveyed IT students comprised 69.7% male, 21.9% female, and 8.4% identifying as LGBTQIA+ (including 1.8% lesbian, 1.0% transgender, 4.5% bisexual, 0.8% queer, and 0.4% other orientations).
2. A significant portion of respondents (36.2%) were aged 18 or younger, while 36.8% were between 19 and 20 years old.
3. A high level of support was reported, with 91.9% of students express-ing support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
4. Sentiment analysis revealed that 75.2% of responses were positive re-garding the proposed dedicated comfort room, 21.5% were neutral, and 3.4% were negative.
5. Word clouds highlighted prevalent terms and themes in the responses, reflecting the students' attitudes and concerns regarding the comfort room initiative.

Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners are encouraged to enhance communication about the dedicated comfort room's purpose and benefits while engaging LGBTQIA+ students in the planning process to address their needs. Additionally, they should develop comprehensive inclusivity programs and ensure privacy and safety in the com-fort room design. Collaboration with campus organizations and ongoing evaluation of the initiative's impact will further promote a supportive environment for all students.

Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers are encouraged to conduct further studies that explore the long-term impact of dedicated comfort rooms on the well-being and academic performance of LGBTQIA+ students. Additionally, future research could examine the effectiveness of various inclusivity programs in promoting a supportive environment within educational institutions. Expanding the scope to include comparative studies across different colleges may also provide valuable insights into best practices for fostering inclusivity

Impact on Society: The study's findings highlight the importance of inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ individuals in educational settings, promoting a culture of acceptance and sup-port 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. Ultimately, fostering inclusivity within educational institutions can lead to more equitable and understanding societies, encouraging positive change and collaboration across diverse groups.

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 the unique challenges and support needs of these populations.