Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University

The Safe Place Program at Washington and Lee

Sponsored by the W&L Gay-Straight Alliance

Assistance – Respect – Acceptance

 
About the Safe Place Program

Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals are some of the most marginalized members of the W&L community. In an effort to rectify this, the Safe Place Program was conceptualized in the 1999-2000 school year, and is not a response to any particular incident. Implementation of the program provides another way to increase tolerance and awareness of diversity of all kinds within the W&L community. Download a Safe Place Symbol for Your Door

Posting the Safe Place symbol represents your willingness and commitment to providing a Safe Place for all students—an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, and assistance. Posting this symbol does not indicate anything about your own sexual orientation. We recommend posting the symbol on your office door, although any prominent location will do. Download a Safe Place Symbol for Your Door  

If I post a Safe Place symbol...

What can I expect?

Students, faculty, and staff may feel greater freedom to talk openly, providing a more genuine and realistic exchange of ideas and feelings.

  • You will gain a more accurate picture of the lives and concerns of the individuals in our community.
  • You will be contributing to the improvement of the University environment.
  • Students, faculty, and staff will anticipate a non-judgmental attitude on your part.
  • You may never notice any difference in the interactions you have with faculty, staff, or students, yet you will be making a difference.

What else should I know?

  • Your placement of this symbol is not a statement of your personal sexual orientation.
  • You are not expected to have answers to every question.
  • You are not expected to be a counselor or to be trained to deal with crisis situations.
  • You will not be the only contact for gay, lesbian, or bisexual people.
  • You are not obligated to disclose any personal information about yourself.
  • Others will not assume that you are intolerant or incorrect if you do not post this sticker.
  • You will not be expected to participate in political activities.

It is one way to show that...

  • You believe that the Washington and Lee community is enriched and enlivened by the presence of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people.
  • You are aware of the presence of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students, staff, and faculty, and you are willing to engage them in genuine dialogue and interaction.
  • You are willing to discuss in a non-judgmental manner issues affecting the lives of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people.
  • You comfortably use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and do not assume that every person you encounter is heterosexual.
  • You are willing to assist students in accessing support and information resources on campus and in the community.
  • You maintain confidentiality within the confines of your responsibilities.
  • You understand that the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community is itself highly diverse, comprising people of many races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, and national origins.
  • You want to create a Safe Place for all students, faculty, and staff.

More Ways to Promote Tolerance at W&L

  • Don’t assume everyone is heterosexual.
  • Create an atmosphere of acceptance through education.
  • Avoid anti-gay remarks, jokes, and statements.
  • Whenever comfortable, confront displays of homophobia.
  • Get to know gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals.
  • Read books, make a friend, attend a talk, or celebrate important events with them.
  • Understand that the process of “coming out” is a unique and transformative experience.
  • Provide informed referrals by learning the resources available for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals in our community.
  • Join with supporters of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to protect their civil rights and constitutional freedoms.
  • If you yourself are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, consider coming out on the job and work to provide a role model for others.

Many thanks to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Affairs Committee of the University of Virginia Student Council for the concept of this project. Download a Safe Place Symbol for Your Door

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