WHY IS THIS PROGRAM
IMPORTANT?
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Anthropologist, Margaret Mead
For many students, the presence of
allies to whom they can turn for
support—or even the simple knowledge that allies exist—can be a critical
factor in developing a positive sense of
self, building community, coping with
bias, and working to improve school
climate. Safe Zone programs, therefore,
seek to increase the visible presence of
student and adult allies who can help to
shape a school culture that is accepting
of all people regardless of race,
ethnicity, national origin, sexual
orientation, religion, ability, gender, or
any other difference.
For a minority student, having a space on
campus where he or she can feel
comfortable with self-expression is vital to
both personal and academic success.
Brought to you by:
Safe Zone Committee
International Student Association
Jewish Culture Club
National Society of Black Engineers
Rose-Hulman Unity
Society of Women Engineers
Safe Zones are designated places
where—regardless of race, ethnicity,
national origin, sexual orientation,
religion, ability, and gender—everyone
will be treated and respected as a human
being. They are places where students
can seek support free of bigotry and
harassment.
and
Rose-Hulman Diversity Council
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/safezone
Rose-Hulman Safe Zone Program
HOW DOES A SAFE ZONE
PROGRAM WORK?
The main purpose of a Safe Zone
program is to identify people and
places where students can seek support
free of bigotry and harassment. When
faculty, staff, and student participants
affix Safe Zone stickers to their
backpacks, laptops, or office doors, it
signifies an affirmation of the basic
rights of people in minorities and lets
everyone know that they are safe
people to approach for support or
non-professional guidance. Often the
idea behind the Safe Zone Program
(and the associated sticker) gets passed
around via word of mouth and there is
no organized program within the
school. However, we have a team
(made up of students, faculty, and staff)
that publicizes the program and
distributes materials, provides basic
training to allies who wish to be
involved, and educates the larger
school community about the meaning
of the stickers and the importance of
creating safe spaces for minority
students.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A
SAFE ZONE ALLY?
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
People who post a sticker are affirming
the following:
Any faculty, staff, or student who
feels discriminated against or has
witnessed discrimination on campus
can go to an ally who has posted a
Safe Zone sticker.
 I will create an environment that
welcomes individuals to talk with
me openly about minority issues.
I will listen, participate in the
conversation, and respect their
values and decisions.
 I will realize when it is beyond
my ability to help or counsel a
person, and will refer such a
person to an appropriate source.
 I am committed to treating
everyone with the dignity and
respect to which all human
beings are entitled, regardless of
personal beliefs.
 I will do my best to discourage
language, jokes, materials, and
actions that are unnecessarily
offensive to minorities.
 I am committed to educating
myself about racism, homophobia, religious persecution,
sexism, and other forms of
prejudice and to combating this
bias on a personal level. I am also
committed to educating others as
appropriate.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE
INFORMATION?
Visit our webpage
<http://rose-hulman.edu/safezone> for
more information about:
 Becoming a Safe Zone Ally
 Current Safe Zone Allies
 Who to contact for help or
suggestions with the program
 Other resources for minorities
or allies