Safe Zone program set to expand on campus
The University of Indianapolis Safe Zone Training Program is being piloted to student groups and faculty members with a background in LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) issues.
Safe zones are areas where LGBTQ students can feel welcome and accepted.
The program is set to be ready in mid-November. The program is partnering with UIndy Pride and the Social Work Association.
The Safe Zone Program will be tailored to meet the needs of the LGBTQ community at UIndy and will reflect their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The safe zones will båe staffed by faculty trained to inform, reassure, inspire and support LGBTQ students.
The Safe Zone Program is grounded in the goals of bringing awareness, knowledge and action to LGBTQ issues.
Faculty will be trained to identify bias about sex, sexual identity and gender identity, to recognize and understand the LGBTQ experience and to describe the climate of LGBTQ communities on campus and beyond.
According to the Safe Zone Training Manual draft, faculty will use inclusive and affirming language regarding sexual and gender identities and include LGBTQ examples or issues in their classes.
LGBTQ students will recognize a safe zone by a pink triangular symbol.
The symbol will be displayed in a prominent position in the participating faculty member’s classroom or office.
“The symbol can act as a guide to show LGBTQ students they have a safe place,” said Brittney Woods, UIndy Pride treasurer.
The Safe Zone Program is not designed to act as a counseling session for LGBTQ students.
However, the faculty will do his or her best to help students and if they are in danger the faculty may advise them to see a counselor.
“LGBTQ students need that internal support. They need to know someone cares, and they need to be free to develop their identity,” said Colin Hammar, graduate student and UIndy Safe Zone creator.
Safe zones are designed to do just that: “The UIndy Safe Zone Program seeks to inform and educate the faculty and staff of the University of Indianapolis to create a safe, positive and welcoming environment for people of all sexual and gender identities,” according to the Safe Zone Training Manual draft.
In addition to its Safe Zone training, UIndy recently added a course on gender identity issues.
UIndy is one of the last major universities in the Indianapolis metro area to implement a Safe Zone program.
“Safe Zones will take the campus to a new level,” Hammar said.
