How did the Safe Zone program begin?

• William and Mary's Safe Zone program began in 1998, and was originally modeled after the Virginia Association of College and University Housing Officer's (VACUHO) "Safe Zone Virginia" project, an effort to "enhance the campus climates in the state of Virginia concerning gay, lesbian, bisexual, and ally issues."
• At its founding on this campus in 1998, the Safe Zone training at William and Mary was directed toward faculty and staff in order to build a strong campus-wide base of support for the organization and its mission.
• Beginning in the 2000-2001 academic year, Safe Zone activities were broadened to welcome students interested in attending Safe Zone training.

Why do we need Safe Zone?

• Unfortunately, insensitivity, intolerance, and even discrimination and harassment toward people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer still exist.  Such attitudes and behaviors can interfere with students' abilities to achieve their full potential and get the most from their college education. 
• Faced with unwelcoming and potentially hostile environments , many LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff choose to remain invisible.  Safe Zone is a way to reach out and create a campus environment that is safer and freer for all members of our community.

Does W&M have a policy of non-discrimination?

• Since 1990, The College of William & Mary Statement of Rights and Responsibilities has been interpreted to "express a right to privacy which extends not only to nondiscriminatory treatment in areas specified by federal law but to nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation as well.  The student code of conduct already ensures nondiscriminatory treatment without regard to sexual orientation."
• In 2010, President Taylor Revely issued a statement that said, in part, "let’s be clear that William & Mary neither discriminates against people nor tolerates discrimination on our campus.  Those of us at W&M insist that members of our campus community be people of integrity who have both the capacity to meet their responsibilities to the university and the willingness to engage others with civility and respect.  We do not insist, however, that members of our community possess any other particular characteristics, whether denominated in race, religion, nationality, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other of the myriad personal characteristics that differentiate human beings.  We certainly do not discriminate against people on such grounds, or tolerate discrimination against them.  This is the way we live our lives together at William & Mary, because we believe this is the way we should live our lives together."

What does it mean when I see the Safe Zone symbol on campus?

• The Safe Zone signs and buttons send a visible message of welcome to LGBTQ people.  They also send a message to the entire community and to visitors that respect for LGBTQ people is one aspect of William & Mary's commitment to diversity. 
• People displaying the symbol have volunteered to educate themselves and to be part of a network of supportive individuals who are educated about the needs and concerns of LGBTQ people.
• In addition, the symbol indicates that all viewpoints regarding sexual orientation and gender identity will be addressed in an educational, informative, and respectful manner.
• The Safe Zone symbol is not an indication of a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, nor does it indicate any particular political or moral viewpoint -- it merely states that the person wants to ensure that LGBTQ individuals at William & Mary are free to be full members of the community.

What does it mean when I DON'T see the Safe Zone symbol on campus?

• It should be noted that if someone is not displaying a Safe Zone symbol, it does not necessarily mean that they are not supportive  of LGBTQ people or of the mission of the program; it may mean only that they have not attended a training, officially become a volunteer, or decided to visibly identify themselves as an ally.

What does a Safe Zone volunteer do?

• Safe Zone Program volunteers actively look for ways to integrate LGBTQ people into activities and services, and consider ways that activities and services may need to be adapted to be welcoming to the LGBTQ population.
• In addition, they serve as informal resource persons who can provide support to LGBTQ people and help them access campus resources.
• Volunteers also offer a respectful environment for anyone who wishes to discuss concerns or questions related to sexual orientation or gender identity. 
• Finally, volunteers are committed to addressing instances of prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

How do I become part of Safe Zone?

• There is a mandatory 2-hour training workshop for everyone who wants to be a part of Safe Zone.  The workshop provides a foundation of knowledge needed to be an effective ally. 
• Training workshops are offered periodically throughout the year. To find out about upcoming workshops, use the link "Register for a Workshop" at left. We use an online Safe Zone Training Registration Form (the form will be activated when registration is open). 
• Each workshop is limited to 20 people, so don't delay in signing up! 
• In the periods when there are no current workshops, you may opt to have your name put on a waiting list.  People on the waiting list get advance opportunities to sign up for the next available workshops.

What is covered in the training workshop?

• The Safe Zone training assists volunteers in learning more about LGBTQ identity and how to be an effective ally.
• The workshops are informal and interactive.  Each workshop is co-facilitated by students, faculty or staff members who have been trained as facilitators for the program.
• The workshops introduce participants to campus and community resources, and also provides an opportunity for volunteers to meet other participants in the program.

How do I find Safe Zone volunteers on campus?

• You can look for people displaying the Safe Zone symbol (as shown in the upper left corner of this web page) on a door sign or button. 
• You can see the list of current volunteers by using the "Volunteer Network" link at left.