This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
The University of Lethbridge Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office is encouraging faculty and staff to support 2SLGBTQ+ students through the designation of offices as safe spaces with physical symbols.
By hanging the Safe Place poster in your window, door or office, you can signal to other members of our campus community that your place is safe–i.e., aligning with the values of inclusivity, respect and belonging. Placing a physical symbol in your space such as the Safe Place poster represents not only a responsibility, but an accountability to ensure your space is safe for all diverse students and employees on our campus.
Displaying a Safe Place poster recognizes a commitment to ensuring we all do the necessary work to learn, unlearn and address the systemic barriers faced by underrepresented or marginalized members of our campus community. It also aids in acknowledging one’s own privileges and the work needed to make all spaces safe and inclusive for all.
A special thank you to Kathryn DeLucia-Burk and Ulises Charles Rodriguez for their work on the Safe Place poster. You can print a copy of this poster on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion website or pick up a copy at the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion office in A782.
Five things to consider when displaying your Safe Place poster:
- Are members of the space informed on the basics of gender and sexual diversity and the issues 2SLGBTQ+ folks face on campus and in the community?
- Is the practice of sharing and asking for pronouns normalized and encouraged within your space?
- Are supervisors and managers informed on how to support 2SLGBTQ+ individuals coming out in your space?
- Are students required to “out” themselves to access accommodations and services? If so, have steps been taken to mitigate this requirement or to ensure the safety and privacy of students when they share this information?
- Are there safe and easily located avenues for 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff to voice concerns about situations and policies that make them feel unsafe or unwelcome in your space?
Contact:
Monica Lockett | m.lockett@uleth.ca | ulethbridge.ca/equity-diversity-inclusion/resources
