A Project of the University Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues
Cosponsored by the University Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Issues and the Office of Social Equity, the Safe Zone program is designed to improve visibility and support to GLBT students and employees. While other minority individuals can often identify role models and mentors, the invisibility of sexual orientation makes it very difficult for GLBT members of the IUP community to ascertain where they can safely turn for support and information.
The Safe Zone program provides easily recognizable individuals who are available to provide these resources. The Safe Zone symbol is a message to GLBT students and colleagues that an employee has participated in the Safe Zone training and is committed to increasing their knowledge of and sensitivity to GLBT issues. The symbol allows the campus community to identify program members and know that they can speak freely with these individuals about issues, including sexual orientation and gender identity, which may affect their academic success or job satisfaction.
Safe Zone members are able to provide assistance, as needed, including referrals. Since the Safe Zone program also strives to improve the campus climate for GLBT individuals, the symbol also means that Safe Zone members will challenge homophobic and heterosexist comments or behaviors in an educational and informative manner.
- FAQ
- Common questions about the Safe Zone Program.
- Current Members
- Current members of the Safe Zone program. GLBT students can speak freely with these individuals about issues including sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Membership Application
- Contact Report
- This is a form that members must fill out when someone has requested to speak with them about Safe Zone issues. The form is completely anonymous and is only used for statistical data.