There has been a lot of talk lately about what constitutes a "safer" space for the LGBTQ community. While the word "safe" has been a guiding principle in the LGBTQ community for many years, this does not necessarily mean that the best or most inclusive spaces have been created. In fact, the term carries a number of connotations that can be confusing.
While there is no denying that schools and their staff are important for the health and well-being of the entire community, it is not a given that the environment is safe for all students. To this end, the Safe Zone program has been created as a way to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ community in the state of Rhode Island. It does this by certifying medical facilities, nonprofit organizations and other community groups that offer inclusive services.
This program is also designed to educate the general public about the needs of the LGBTQ community. For example, it is a great idea to have a Safe Place decal on display outside of the front entrance of a business. The decal is a reminder that the police will be called if someone is attacked, and if they are, that the victim will be protected.
Educators across the country are putting forth the effort to make their schools safer for the LGBT community. These efforts vary in both scale and form. Some schools have one or two components, while others have an all-encompassing approach.
One such program is the Stevens Safe Zone Ally Program. This program is campus-wide and consists of a 2-hour workshop, which provides participants with the basics of being an effective ally for the LGBTQ community. It also offers opportunities for participants to learn about the culture of the LGBTQ community.
A newer version of the Safe Zone program is the LGBTQ SAFE Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Safe Zone. This program offers a variety of perks, including a list of health care providers who have demonstrated a commitment to serving the needs of the LGBTQ community.
While the aforementioned snarky stickers are a definite plus, they do not guarantee the safety of your students. In a survey conducted by GLSEN, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, only one in four students reported that they had ever seen a Safe Zone sticker. Those who had done so reported having a better attitude toward their teachers.
Despite its shortcomings, the Safe Zone program has been a welcome addition to the educational landscape. As the nation becomes more aware of the needs of the LGBTQ community, it is critical that schools take a stand for the rights of the community.
The Safe Zone is one of the most visible ways for educators to promote inclusion. The team has been doing its part to publicize the program, offering up a variety of materials for the community to use. By offering these tools, the program shows that Nicolet College is committed to making its campuses as welcoming as possible for the LGBTQ community.
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