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.
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 [email protected].
Additional Resources:
PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (New Orleans Chapter)
