Safe Space Program
Safe Space Program Mission Statement
The Safe Space campaign actively works to make Southeastern a safe and inclusive place for all students, faculty and staff regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The campaign emphasizes providing educational opportunities, ongoing professional development and programming for students, staff, faculty and administration about the unique challenges that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQIA+) individuals and their allies often encounter. It also works with students, staff, faculty, administration, student organizations and university departments to represent LGBTQIA+ concerns; provides advocacy and resources; and organizes LGBTQIA+ panels and presentations.
Primary Goal
To create a network for the LGBTQIA+ Community at Southeastern that is welcoming, inclusive, and offers support for the emotional and physical safety of these individuals.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Differentiate between sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Utilize inclusive language regarding sexual and gender identities.
2. Describe ways to create a more inclusive environment on campus for the LGBTQIA+ community to feel safe, supported, and valued as members of Southeastern.
3. To provide information about resources and appropriate referrals for members of the campus community seeking additional support and information in this area.
4. To expand the network of allies on campus.
What is a "safe space"?
Faculty or staff who have completed a Safe Space training can choose to display a sticker on their office door indicating that they are an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and are welcoming and supportive of LGBTQIA+ students.
The Safe Space Ally training serves as an initial introduction to what it means to be an ally, how to create a safe space, and important things to know as an ally.
Safe Space trainings are offered exclusively to students, faculty, and staff members free of charge. It is recommended to renew this training every two years.
Spring 23 Safe Space Ally Training Dates:
- Thursday, January 26th at 4 p.m. (VIRTUAL)
- Monday, April 3rd at 4 p.m. (IN PERSON, Student Union Room 2207).
Spring 2023 Registration LINK.
After completing registration, please check your Southeastern email for an email regarding the event confirmation.
If you have any question or concerns, please email misa@southeastern.edu
Safe Space Ally Training Facilitator Information
[Jan. 26th]
Dr. Desirée Anderson (she/her/hers) was born in San Diego, California. She earned her B.A. and M.Ed. from the University of Louisville, and her Ph.D. from the University of New Orleans, studying the use of campus-based restorative justice (RJ) approaches to respond to racially motivated bias incidents. Before becoming the Associate Dean of Diversity and Student Affairs at the University of New Orleans, she held positions at Saint Mary’s College of California, Tulane University, and Texas State University. Desirée occasionally serves as an adjunct instructor and an RJ Trainer and Facilitator. She has released two book chapters in Colorizing Restorative Justice and Ethics in Higher Education. She watches an unnecessary amount of TV in her free time, especially k-dramas.
[April 3rd]
Will Takewell, M. Ed. (he/him) is a Safe Space Training certified trainer for programs centered on allyship, safe space, and creating safe and productive environments for students who have historically experienced marginalization on college campuses. Will has worked with and facilitated ally training programs at the University of Southern Mississippi, Millsaps College, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Mississippi. He has also assisted in published research about the experiences of gay and queer students on college campuses as well as assisting in the creation of LGBTQIA+ centered campus climate studies.
Safe Space Ally Training Learning Objectives
Southeastern Louisiana University's Office for Student Engagement and Multicultural and International Student Affairs serves as a hub for training for allies and those looking to gain more information on allyship and creating safe, productive spaces. The Safe Space Ally training serves as an initial introduction to what it means to be an ally, how to create a safe space, and important things to know as an ally. This program has several core learning objectives.
By participating in Southeastern's Safe Space Ally training, participants will be able to:
- Understand and identify resources to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community including terminology, neopronouns/pronouns, and history of the LGBTQIA+ community on college campuses.
- Identify and define what it means to be an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community at Southeastern Louisiana University.
- Implement support strategies for students who may "come out" in their presence.
- Role-play and practice allyship in the workplace and campus environment.
- Sign and publicly identify - via the University's website and sticker - as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community here at Southeastern and beyond.
When is the training, and how can I get involved?
Safe Space trainings are offered every fall and spring semester. To receive announcements on upcoming trainings, or if you would like more information, please email misa@southeastern.edu.
Additional Resources:
PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (New Orleans Chapter)
