What is the Safe Zone? I see signs on campus and my professor has one on his door and wonder what the deal is.
Wondering
Dear Wondering,
The Safe Zone is part of a National Program to provide safe, nurturing, and open space for all students, in particular, GLBTQ students (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning). RPI initiated The Safe Zone program, modeled after the American College Health Association concept, four years ago and now boasts more than 225 Safe Zone Allies. To become an ally, any student, staff or faculty member must participate in a 3.5-hour training offered by the Student Health Center. Those having completed the training and meeting the standards of the program receive ongoing training. Current resources afford them the opportunity to be better informed and sensitive to the needs of the GLBTQ population and thus, to all students.
Next time you are at that professor’s office, ask him about the program. We hope you will be pleasantly surprised that this person probably has a genuine interest in people and has the skills to make anyone feel comfortable with him. A misperception often noted is that someone Safe Zone trained is a resource only to GLBTQ students. What the Safe Zone really does is allow anyone with a strong interest in helping others the chance to do so and publicize it with a card on their door!
Thanks for the question! The Allies on campus will be pleased with your attentiveness! In fact, we found that Terri Kersch (kersct@rpi.edu) is the liaison to the Safe Zone program. She indicated she could provide more information.
Editor’s Note: If you would like to submit a question to Tweedle and Dee, please e-mail poly@rpi.edu. Anonymity will be maintained.
