UTD Safe Zone

Message from the President

Dear Colleagues,

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an open-minded and safe
environment, in which members of our campus community can study, live and work in an atmosphere of respect and tolerance.

Toward that goal, the university is offering an opportunity to take part in the Safe Zone Project. Safe Zone supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students, faculty and staff by providing a voluntary training program for all individuals who commit to helping shape an open and accepting campus culture.

I encourage you to learn more about this opportunity to take part in building and maintaining a tolerant, collegial and respectful atmosphere at UT Dallas.

Dr. David E. Daniel, President

 

 

SAFE ZONE as Part of UTD

SAFE ZONE was conceived by the GWC, Student Counseling Center, and Multicultural Center and as a need to build helpful resources for GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning) students, staff, and faculty was identified. It was also developed to be consistent with UTD's nondiscrimination policy.

SAFE ZONE is a national concept in which safe spaces are identified and marked with a symbol unique to each campus. Our SAFE ZONE logo was developed by Sumaiya Mehreen, a UTD student, who filled it with colors to represent UTD's diversity. The butterflies are symbolic of metamorphosis and freedom to fly. It also represents growth, exploration, and realizing goals as important parts of our lives.

By displaying the SAFE ZONE logo on a department door, office or desk, GLBTQ and heterosexual Allies, friends, and family show that they value a diverse campus community, free of judgment, harassment, or discrimination. It also highlights their willingness to foster a safe place for others, and their commitment to offer support, resources, and guidance.

SAFE ZONE Goals

• Establish a university-wide network of visible allies who are willing to provide a supportive and inclusive environment and can help shape a campus culture that is accepting of all people, despite their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Assist in promoting an understanding that discrimination is hurtful to everyone, and act as role model in embracing diversity on our campus.
• Provide GLBTQ and Allies an opportunity to express concerns related to discrimination and harassment without fear of judgment.
• Provide campus-wide information and proactive educational programming and events related to SAFE ZONE and GLBTQ people

 

 

To participate enter the SAFE ZONE