The Safe Zone Project
You can recognize a Safe Zone ally who displays the above symbol.
What is the Safe Zone Project?
The Safe Zone Project is a campus-wide program that offers a visible message of inclusion, affirmation, and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the University community. Through this program, participants attend educational workshops to learn about the LGBTQ experience and campus/community resources. Participants may complete either one or two workshops. After completing the second workshop, participants receive a Safe Zone symbol to display in their work space.
Purpose of the Safe Zone Project
The purpose of the Safe Zone Project is to identify members of the University community who will model support, affirmation, and inclusion of LGBTQ people. Participants who complete this program are choosing to be visible allies and to be trained to be effective resource people for their workplace and classroom.
The Safe Zone Project is currently being redesigned and will consist of two phases.
Phase I (2 hours) introduces the participants to basic LGBTQ terms and concepts, helps them develop an appreciation for the experiences of the LGBTQ people, and brings an overall awareness of LGBTQ issues. This foundational information will allow participants to begin thinking about how they can create a more inclusive environment on the UI campus. Completion of phase I training will prepare the participants to provide resources to LGBTQ people.
Phase II (2 hours) is a case study-based, application-focused session. This session will provide participants with the tools they need to not only provide resources, but to become an active participant in making our campus a more supportive, inclusive, and affirming place for LBGTQ people. Completion of Phase II will result in becoming an identified Safe Zone Ally.
The Safe Zone Project is open to all staff, faculty, and students who are committed to making the University of Iowa a safe environment for ALL of its members, including LGBTQ persons.
Scheduled Training Sessions
Phase I
Phase II
No session currently scheduled.
To receive notification of the next scheduled Safe Zone trainings, please email the Safe Zone coordinator. If you are interested in becoming a Safe Zone facilitator, please email the Safe Zone coordinator.
Why do we need a Safe Zone Project?
- Because the University's Human Rights Policy states, "that in no aspect
of its programs shall there be differences in the treatment of persons
because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, and any other classification
that deprive a person of consideration as an individual, and that equal
opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all."
- Local and national studies have repeatedly shown that LGBTQ members of campus
communitites experience higher levels of harassment or discrimination on campus
than non-LGBT people.
Safe Zone Redesign Committee
Thanks to the members of the redesign committee for all the effort in not only the redesign of the
overall design of the training, but for their willingness to serve on the identified subcommittees as well.
- Sarah Andrews (Marketing subcommittee)
- Carly Amour (Case Study subcommittee)
- Sharon Beck (Chair and Marketing subcommittee chair)
- Jennifer Bertrand (Case Study subcommittee)
- William Coghill-Behrends
- Mark Harris (Case Study subcommittee)
- Elizabeth Krause (Design of our new Phase I presentation/Facilitator Training subcommittee)
- Linda Kroon (Facilitator Training subcommittee chair)
- Adam Lewis
- Megan Mathews
- Maggie McKnight (Marketing subcommittee/Webmaster)
- Sara Riggs
- Eva Schoen (Case Study subcommittee co-chair)
- Autumn Tallman (Case Study subcommittee co-chair)
- Deb Tiemens (Case Study subcommittee)
Questions?
Please email the Safe Zone coordinator.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Sharon Beck in advance at 384-3435 or by email.
Sponsored by The University of Iowa Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Staff and Faculty Association and the University of Iowa Chief Diversity Office through their Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity.