Safe Zone Seminars
What is a Safe Zone Seminar?
The Safe Zone Seminar is designed to educate faculty and academic administrators about the experiences, concerns, and issues of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) members of our college community. The Safe Zone Seminar was developed to inform faculty and academic administrators about glbt issues as they relate to the classroom experience. The seminar includes ideas about how to recognize homophobia and heterosexism and its impact on the academic environment and student performance, discussion of terminology and campus issues, and tips on how to be an Ally. Seminars can be tailored to meet the specific needs and time concerns of interested departments, groups, or organizations.
Participants receive a safe zone button and sign to indicate their completion of the seminar. The button and sign are a visual symbol to the college community that an individual or entire department has taken the time to learn about the GLBT community. The sign also includes information about campus resources. In addition to the one-time seminar, there are a variety of events, speakers, and programs throughout the year, which enhance sensitivity and knowledge about the GLBT community.
Why Safe Zone Seminars?
The manner in which a college addresses, or fails to address, issues of sexual orientation in its classrooms has a significant impact on the learning environment for students who identify as GLBT. A student who worries about harassment or an unsupportive environment is likely to become distracted from academic and co-curricular learning. Data show that "31% of GLBT students left school for one semester or longer and 33% dropped out or transferred because of coming out or harassment issues prior to coming out" (Sherrill & Hardesty, 1994. p. 269). Supporting GLBT students is clearly an important issue.
How Can I Get Involved?
To participate in a workshop, please contact Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services at Auraria at 303-556-6333 or info@glbtss.org to find out the date and time of the next session. Trainings can also be arranged for existing groups.
