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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

MCC Will Launch Safe Zone Program


MCC’s Diversity Council, in collaboration with several members of the college community, will initiate a Safe Zone program later this month in its ongoing efforts to further the college’s commitment to inclusiveness.

The goals of the international Safe Zone program are consistent with MCC’s mission to serve a diverse community in a high-quality learning environment. Safe Zone strives to improve the climate for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) members on college campuses and within other communities. The program aims to increase visibility of – and educate people about – GLBT issues; to build support for GLBT members; and to identify allies and increase their visibility and skill level.

A select group of up to 60 people at MCC will receive training on Friday, June 19, to serve as potential Safe Zone advocates for full inclusion of GLBT campus community members. Participants are composed of MCC staff, faculty, administrators, student peer mentors, leaders and advisers, whose roles are to:

--  Provide understanding and support, so that GLBT students or colleagues may seek help or advice without fear of harassment, discrimination or violation of confidentiality.

--  Provide informational and educational resources about GLBT issues.

--  Educate themselves, and others, about GLBT issues.

Upon completion of training, those who wish will place the Safe Zone symbol on their office door, desk or other visible place to let others know their space is a safe place to talk about GLBT issues.

Plans to develop a Safe Zone program at MCC have been in the works for almost a year. Under the leadership of the Diversity Council’s Strategic Direction 2 Committee, the college community will continue to build on their efforts to help MCC provide support, information and a safe haven to GLBT members.

As a member of the larger MCC community, if you are interested in participating in the program now or in the future, please contact the Strategic Direction 2 Committee co-chairs Marlene Fine (x2126, <"
mailto:mfine@monroecc.edu">) or Don Beech (x2345, <"mailto:dbeech@monroecc.edu">).

Diane Cecero, Chief Diversity Officer; and co-chairs Charlotte Downing and Christopher Otero-Piersante
Diversity Council
06/10/2009


Attachments:
icon safe zone_rev.pdf