2008 Woodie Awards
WOU Safe Zone
Changing minds and hearts at Western
Rachelle Parrs
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Culture
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The majority of students have seen the rainbow colored WOU stickers around campus. While some students may know that these are the logo for Western's Safe Zone, far too few know what a Safe Zone is.
The Safe Zone program was created as a way to show support for those who are part of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community, and to provide a secure environment.
John Tucker, Interim Director of both the Werner University Center and Student Leadership and Activities and one of the Western program's sponsors, explained, "It is all about promoting an inclusive climate at WOU. Ideally, it would be a change in the culture from one of silent tolerance to one where it is not acceptable to use derogatory terms, stereotypes or that famous phrase, 'that's so gay.'"
A recent re-examination of Western's Safe Zone Program revealed that training was needed to insure that those with a sticker on their door were truly inclusive or accepting. The training that is being offered insures that students, faculty and staff have resources for referrals and are allies for the LGBT community. Tucker feels that there is a strong need for allies on campus, and that it is vital they are trained to help their fellow students. "Our [LGBT] students face many obstacles over-and-above what heterosexual students face and this is one way of showing our support for our students." he commented, "We offer the training so that allies can be there and have a visible presence on campus that sends a message [of], We support you."
Someone is considered a Safe Zone ally if they have undergone the 2-hour pilot training. They serve as resources, referrals and someone to listen regarding gender and orientation minority concerns at Western Oregon University. They meet weekly on Thursdays at 3:15 p.m. in the Hamersly Library. There is also a form online that you can complete if you are interested in taking part in the training.
The training is tailored to meet the needs of each group that participates. There is also a core set of values and information that are included in every session. Alternative workshops are also available for those only interested in the LGBT community, which do not involve becoming an ally. •
The Safe Zone program was created as a way to show support for those who are part of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community, and to provide a secure environment.
John Tucker, Interim Director of both the Werner University Center and Student Leadership and Activities and one of the Western program's sponsors, explained, "It is all about promoting an inclusive climate at WOU. Ideally, it would be a change in the culture from one of silent tolerance to one where it is not acceptable to use derogatory terms, stereotypes or that famous phrase, 'that's so gay.'"
A recent re-examination of Western's Safe Zone Program revealed that training was needed to insure that those with a sticker on their door were truly inclusive or accepting. The training that is being offered insures that students, faculty and staff have resources for referrals and are allies for the LGBT community. Tucker feels that there is a strong need for allies on campus, and that it is vital they are trained to help their fellow students. "Our [LGBT] students face many obstacles over-and-above what heterosexual students face and this is one way of showing our support for our students." he commented, "We offer the training so that allies can be there and have a visible presence on campus that sends a message [of], We support you."
Someone is considered a Safe Zone ally if they have undergone the 2-hour pilot training. They serve as resources, referrals and someone to listen regarding gender and orientation minority concerns at Western Oregon University. They meet weekly on Thursdays at 3:15 p.m. in the Hamersly Library. There is also a form online that you can complete if you are interested in taking part in the training.
The training is tailored to meet the needs of each group that participates. There is also a core set of values and information that are included in every session. Alternative workshops are also available for those only interested in the LGBT community, which do not involve becoming an ally. •
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