MISSION STATEMENT
The Safe Zone program strives to erase homophobia and heterosexism on Saint Louis University’s campus and provide support to those who need it. Through education, advocacy and awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and ally issues, the program contributes to an open campus climate that is safe and accepting for all members of the University community.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Saint Louis University students, faculty and staff who want to visibly show their support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning individuals can volunteer to be part of the Safe Zone program.

Individuals interested in participating must attend a Safe Zone training workshop which goes through a number of topics from defining common vocabulary to what you can do to help GLBT students on campus.  A detailed guide to training can be found under the [Program] section of this web site. 

At the completion of the training, members are given a placard to display in their residence hall room, office or classroom.  Members are also provided a resource manual as reference should they ever need it.

Safe Zone members do not judge and do not try to convert. They may not know all of the answers, but they are knowledgeable of resources for further support and information on campus.

SOME FAQ'S

• Why have a Safe Zone program?
  Homosexuality is an invisible diversity, both in its members and its supporters. The Safe Zone program helps create a more accepting atmosphere on campus by providing visual statements of support and safe space. Many universities from Boston College, NYU, Georgetown, and Duke to Washington University, University of Illinois, and University of Missouri have already implemented similar programs.
  
  To see a partial list of other schools with a Safe Zone program [click here]
   

• Is Safe Zone appropriate at a Jesuit university?
  Yes. The mission of the Jesuits is to develop men and women for others. Jesuit universities try to be accepting of all the members in their community. Programs like Safe Zone help to educate people towards that acceptance. Almost every Jesuit school has some form of GLBT group on campus. Georgetown, Santa Clara, University of San Francisco, Boston College and Loyola University Chicago also have programs similar to Safe Zone. The Safe Zone program at SLU was developed with input and support from our Campus Ministry who have in turn become Safe Zone members. Last but not least, there are literally hundreds of GLBT students on any college campus, often invisible, who are equally entitled to support regardless of the schools affiliation.
   

• Who can be a Safe Zone member? What is the time commitment?
  Members must attend one, three hour training session. Membership is open to all students. After the initial training session, participation in other events on campus is voluntary.
   

• Can gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people be Safe Zone members?
  Yes. Gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) people are not excluded from being members since it is important to show support for groups to which you belong. Training is geared toward heterosexual allies since they are taking the extra effort to be educated as an ally on issues they may not be familiar with.
   

• Why should we have a sign showing support for only GLBT persons?
  The reality is not all people on campus are supportive, knowledgeable and understanding of GLBT people. This is the difference between the Safe Zone program and the blanket statement of nondiscrimination already included in Saint Louis University policy or a statement of inclusion posted throughout an office or department. All Safe Zone members agree to be supportive and affirming of all people regardless of sexual orientation.
   

• What about the people on campus who don't become Safe Zone members?
  The intention is not to make others look bad if they do not participate in the program. The intention is to identify support and active affirmation on campus. No one will be pressured to become a member. It is likely that there are a number of allies on campus that are just not ready to identify publicly.
   

• What if I just want to show support, I don't have time to provide ongoing counseling?
  Safe Zone members are not expected to be "experts" or counselors. One of the reasons we require attendance at the training session is to provide knowledge about how and where to refer someone to a counselor or other resources on campus.