History of Safe Zone

In 1992 Illinois State University adopted equal opportunity enrollment and employment policies that state that a person's sexual orientation cannot be used as a criterion for influencing student or employee outcomes. Sexual orientation is also an element of Illinois State University's Plan for Diversity. Illinois State University wants its gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students and employees to feel comfortable throughout the campus environment so that they can perform at their best.

Many people, however, are unaware of the facts about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Many GLBT students and employees feel that to be honest and open would result in their being treated differently than their peers. Consequently they often feel a need to hide their sexual orientation and anything about their personal life that might be too revealing. The result is that these students and employees often experience a sense of isolation. When they need to discuss personal problems with peers, supervisors or instructors, they don't know whom they can trust. Conversely, allies who are supportive of diversity often do not know how to show this support to GLBT individuals.

Therefore, Illinois State University has designed Safe Zone as a way for individuals in the University community to show that their workspace is a safe space for GLBT individuals. A Safe Zone emblem has been created to provide a visible, non-threatening way for individuals within the campus community to show that they are allies and participants in the Safe Zone program. Displaying this emblem shows GLBT individuals that they can feel safe in that environment. All individuals participating in the Safe Zone program will have attended a training session to assist in their efforts to support GLBT individuals.

Safe Zone provides a visible and non-threatening way for faculty/staff to make a statement that understanding and support is offered here. It also shows unsupportive individuals that homophobia, heterosexism, and hostility will not be tolerated. Safe Zone includes providing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and employees with easily identifiable and supportive spaces to feel comfortable and safe in a confidential environment; express any issues and concerns in an atmosphere of acceptance and support; and to access informational and educational resources including organizations, phone numbers, Web sites and books.