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MCC Daily Tribune

Monroe Community College Leads with Inclusivity: Safe Zone Training Participation Reaches New Heights

Monroe Community College (MCC) continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, equity, and creating a welcoming environment for all. To date, an overwhelming majority of middle-level managers and 100 % of Executive Leadership Team members have completed Safe Zone Training—a powerful testament to the College’s dedication to fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and allyship for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Safe Zone Training equips participants with the knowledge and tools to be effective allies and advocates, providing a space to reflect on personal bias, learn about LGBTQ+ identities, and strengthen a supportive campus culture. The strong participation from our leadership team highlights the importance MCC places on modeling inclusive values from the top down. 

We also recognize that this moment comes amid a deeply troubling national climate, as recent federal actions and rhetoric have left many in the LGBTQ+ community feeling vulnerable, targeted, and unsafe. We acknowledge the potential trauma and emotional toll these developments may be causing our LGBTQ+ students, colleagues, and their loved ones. At MCC, we affirm—clearly and unequivocally—that you belong here. 

In alignment with our mission to "transform lives and communities through high-quality educational experiences", Monroe Community College remains committed to: 

  • Providing Safe Zone Training opportunities to all employees and students to deepen understanding and strengthen allyship. 
  • Supporting the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) and student organizations in their programming and outreach. 
  • Ensuring access to mental health and counseling services for those experiencing stress or trauma. 
  • Using inclusive language and practices in all College communications and processes. 
  • Creating and maintaining physical and virtual spaces that affirm identity and safety, such as gender-inclusive restrooms and LGBTQ+ resource hubs. 

We invite all members of the MCC community to join in this ongoing effort to live out our values—not just in training, but in action, conversation, and compassion. Together, we can ensure that Monroe Community College remains not just a place of learning, but a place of belonging. And to continue those efforts we will be offering additional training in late May and early June 2025.  For more information, please email Dr. Gantt (cgantt@monroecc.edu).  

DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, President

Calvin J. Gantt, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Belonging/Executive Director, Downtown Campus

Calvin Gantt
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
05/21/2025