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.
If you have any question or concerns, please email misa@southeastern.edu
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)
