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Binghamton University Safe Zone Project

WHAT IS THE SAFE ZONE PROJECT?
Consistent with Binghamton University’s anti-discrimination policy and its commitment to building an inclusive community, the Safe Zone Project is a visible institutional support network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). Its mission is to help create a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for LGBT people.
WHY WAS THE SAFE ZONE PROJECT CREATED?
Ignorance regarding sexual diversity abounds in our culture. Many LGBT people fear the adverse consequences – to family, employment, physical safety and emotional well-being – that could result were their sexual orientation revealed. As a result, many feel they must hide their sexual orientation. Inevitably, this brings isolation and alienation, and for the larger community it means losing the valuable and unique contributions of LGBT people.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DISPLAY A SAFE ZONE PROJECT LOGO?
The Safe Zone Project is a vehicle through which employees and students can combat homophobia and express support for diversity and LGBT issues. Participants do not provide professional counseling and need not be experts on matters related to sexual identity.

Rather, by displaying the Safe Zone Project logo, you state your commitment to providing an environment of acceptance, understanding and inclusiveness. More specifically, you state:

  • That you will not tolerate homophobia or hostility.
  • That LGBT individuals will not be ridiculed, stereotyped, ostracized or threatened, and will be respected and treated fairly in your classroom, workplace or office.
  • That you respect differences within the Binghamton University community, and the contributions of individuals regardless of sexual orientation.
  • That LGBT people can feel safe with you, and that you support the Safe Zone Project Pledge.

THE SAFE ZONE PROJECT PLEDGE:

THIS ZONE IS SAFE FOR
INDIVIDUALS REGARDLESS OF
SEXUAL ORIENTATION.
HOMOPHOBIA AND HOSTILITY
ARE NOT TOLERATED HERE.

SAFE ZONE PARTICIPANTS MUST:

  • Display a Binghamton University Safe Zone Project logo on their office or residence hall room door, backpack, clothing, etc.
  • Be supportive and accepting of sexual diversity and committed to combating homophobia.
  • Support the building of a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for LGBT people at Binghamton University.
  • Respect the ways in which LGBT people enrich and contribute to the campus
    community.
  • Maintain confidentiality as requested by LGBT people who seek support through the Safe Zone Project.
  • Participate in a project-sponsored training and orientation session.
WHY THE RAINBOW TRIANGLE LOGO?
During World War II, Nazi Germany identified and oppressed members of different groups by forcing them to wear colored symbols. Jews were made to wear yellow stars, and homosexuals to wear pink triangles. The pink triangle is now a widely recognized symbol of gay liberation. The rain-bow flag was first displayed in the 1978 San Francisco Gay Pride Celebration. The colors of the flag represent the diversity of the LGBT community. The Safe Zone Project logo incorporates both the triangle and the rainbow as a reminder of suffering and struggle, and as a statement of pride and emancipation.
Student Safe Zone Meetings for Fall 2004- To Be Announced
Date Day Time Location

Pizza will be provided. Bring your own beverage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT:

Linda Morales
Director
Multicultural Resource Center
University Union West 207, 777-4472

Nancy Lamberty
Social Worker
University Counseling Center
Library North 1202, 777-2772

 

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