Feeling “SAFE”
On Oct. 12, 2013, National Coming Out Day, Fayetteville State University had the grand opening for their new Safezone office. Demonstrating the university’s commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students by providing a safe and secure resource center here on campus.
Dr. Emily Lenning, Safezone consultant, states, “ This is becoming a movement for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s), and FSU has always been a leader in movements.”
There are 105 HBCU’s in the United States and only three of them have a LGBTQ center on their campus. FSU is the third HBCU to join the Safezone program. Bowie State University was the first HBCU to join, when they opened a new center in April 2012. In April 2013, North Carolina Central University also created a LGBTQ resource center. FSU’s Safezone aim is to raise cultural competence of faculty and staff on LGBTQ issues, provide visible support to the LGBTQ population on campus, educate students on issues facing LGBTQ people and retain LGBTQ students.
To spread the awareness of the Safezone, FSU’s faculty, staff and administrators on campus have the option of putting a “safezone” sticker on their office door. This lets students know that behind their door is someone who respects them, will listen, will be supportive and won’t judge them. FSU is cultivating allies to support LGBTQ students.
“This is a social movement, and just as white people helped with black civil rights and men helped women with their voting rights, straight people can have a huge part in this,” said Dr. Lenning.
The Safezone isn’t only for LGBTQ students. As a heterosexual male student at FSU, I have always been a big supporter in the LGBTQ community. I believe that we can become their support system and participate at the Safezone events.
FSU’s Safezone will be hosting their first event, Safezone Training-LGBTQ 101, on Nov. 1, 2013 9:30 a.m. – noon in Renaissance Hall, 2nd floor classroom. The training is for faculty, staff and students who intend to create a culturally sensitive and inclusive campus community. There is a limited amount of space for each session, so if you are not able to sign up for this training, check your email for the next training session.
For more information on the Safezone and signing up for training sessions, visit the Safezone office located on the 2nd floor of Hood Hall, room 34 or call 910-672-2307.
By: Jerone Gray
