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Safe Zone
About Safe Zone

Mission Statement

The Safe Zone Program provides educational training, advocacy, and awareness, in a campus wide effort to establish a network of allies within the UIS community.  We support the efforts of Safe Zone Allies in the creation of a safe and non-judgmental climate that sustains the LGBTQ community and in their academic pursuits.

Goals:

  1. To provide training and education and to promote allies and advocates for the LGBTQ community.
  2. Provide a visible presence to existing and prospective UIS community members.
  3. Work toward resolving incidences of bias, discrimination and other violations of basic rights of those in the LGBTQ community issues through education and training of the University Community.
  4. Provide and sustain a campus-wide dialogue through monthly discussions addressing contemporary LGBTQ topics within the campus community.
  5. Collaborate with other campus and community entities to positively impact the campus climate regarding LGBTQ persons.

Become a SAFE ZONE ALLY

All persons participating in the SAFE ZONE program are required to complete training series and networking meetings provide opportunities to gain skills necessary to deal effectively with varying levels of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) issues. Training provides Allies with effective strategies to communicate with others that see the UIS SAFE ZONE symbol. Participants will also gain a better understanding of their own strengths and limitations regarding LGBTQ issues. If you have additional questions, or are uncertain whether this training is for you, please contact us at the Office of Student Affairs (SAB 23) or email: safezone@uis.edu.

  • SAFE ZONE members attend training sessions on LGBTQ issues, receive a resource manual, and agree to be supportive of LGBTQ students, faculty and staff.

  • Members identify themselves by displaying the SAFE ZONE sign, button or sticker at their work site or living space.

  • Students and employees will know that they can be open regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity with SAFE ZONE, and that they can feel free to discuss issues with them in a supportive and confidential environment.

  • SAFE ZONES and Allies are also aware of campus and community programs and services for referrals, and can assist in locating resources, or to help report harassment or discrimination.