The Safe Zone Program
 
Safe Zone Logo
 
 

Goals

Based on our commitment to the value of diversity, the following goals have been established for the Safe Zone Program:

  1. To educate Safe Zone allies regarding LGBTQ needs and concerns to include the following: a) support for LGBTQ individuals; b) increased awareness of the issues facing LGBTQ individuals; c) referral process specific to the needs of LGBTQ individuals; and d) increased visibility for LGBTQ individuals and concerns on campus.
  2. To foster a university climate where every individual has the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and self worth, including a) publicity for Safe Zone Program mission and goals; b) promotion and advocacy for safe environments respectful of all individuals; and c) education of students, faculty, and staff regarding harassment and discrimination policies.
  3. To provide ongoing support and training to Safe Zone allies.
  4. To work collaboratively with other diversity groups on campus.
  5. To provide educational materials/programming regarding LGBTQ needs and concerns.


History

“This is the mission of the Safe Zone project, a predominantly university-based diversity-training program designed to increase awareness and knowledge of, and sensitivity to, important issues affecting LGBT students, faculty, and staff . . . Although the origin of Safe Zone is unclear, hundreds of universities, as well as community mental health centers and businesses, now offer Safe Zone programs, and collaboratively displayed training materials are widely available on the Internet. Whatever their content differences, all Safe Zone projects are united in philosophy and in the adoption of a Safe Zone symbol to visibly affirm the acceptance of LGBT people and to inform members of the LGBT community, or individuals who may be questioning their sexuality or struggling with other LGBT issues, who is available, open, and safe to talk with about their concerns.” (Finkel, Storaasli, Bandele, & Schaefer, 2003).

The history of the Safe Zone Program at The University of Alabama begins with students. Two students, Eli Strong and Amanda Schuber, started the original Safe Zone Program in the spring of 2002. The current Safe Zone Program is run collaboratively by a committee of faculty, staff, and students on The University of Alabama campus. The current program was developed in the summer of 2007 and revised in the summer of 2008.