The Gallagher Health Center and the Office of Institute Diversity are sponsoring an educational training session, called Safe Zone, to help Rensselaer community members to better understand the needs of students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, or question their particular sexual orientation.
Two Safe Zone sessions will be held on October 8: one from 8:30 am to 12 pm, and another from 1:30 pm to 5 pm.
The primary goal of the program is to make the RPI community feel more safe and be more supportive and welcoming. "It’s just about being a better citizen—a better person," said Terri Kersch, health educator. "We are not intended to be experts."
Rensselaer students, staff, and faculty who complete the Safe Zone training program will be given a Safe Zone sign to hang in their room or office. According to Kersch, an individual displaying this symbol indicates his commitment to be understanding, supportive, and trustworthy of those around him.
The Student Senate and the Rensselaer Union Executive Board are both planning to go through the training together on the same day.
"It’s training that allows you to assist the GLBTQ committee, so that you’re a trained person who can answer questions that a student may have," said Grand Marshal Gil Valadez. "I look forward to attending ... We’ll show harassment won’t be tolerated."
Elizabeth Large, director of student services for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, completed the Safe Zone training during the first training session held last August. "It’s an excellent program. I’m really glad they brought it to campus. It’s giving faculty and staff the ability to be an ally of students," said Large.
