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Safe Space training available

By January 15, 2015Faculty/Staff

Last semester, over 30 faculty and staff at Delta State University completed the Safe Space training program.

Dr. Noah Lelek, Quality Enhancement Plan coordinator, continues to lead the trainings.

“Our mission is to create a welcoming space at Delta State University where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) people feel welcome and supported,” said Lelek.

The program is a two-hour training session for faculty and staff who are interested in learning about gender and sexual identity, homophobia, heterosexism, and how to provide support while working toward being an ally for the LGBTQ community.

Upon completion, participants will be issued a Safe Space sticker for their office space as a visible indicator that they are empathetic and knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues and can provide support to students.

Topics covered in the training include: identifying perceptions and bias around issues of sex, sexual identity and gender identity; language and terminology; resources for LGBTQ identified persons on campus and within the community; and empowerment to become a pillar of support for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff.

* Safe Space Objectives:
– To create campus spaces where LGBTQ persons feel safe, supported and valued as members of our university community.
– To reduce the fear of reprisal and discrimination of LGBTQ persons within our university community.
– To provide information about resources and appropriate referrals for members of the campus community seeking additional support and information in this area.
– To build awareness of the issues affecting LGBTQ persons.

For more information or to attend a training session, contact Lelek at nlelek@deltastate.edu.

“Please let me know your preferred day of the week and time,” said Lelek. “Space is limited, so please let me know as soon as possible.”