Display a Safe Place logo. You don't need to be an expert. The logo signals your acceptance
of all students. If a student asks for help you can't give, you can help them find
someone who can help (for example, the Ferris Counseling Center.)
Do not permit homophobic comments or jokes. This includes not making comments or
jokes, as well as stepping in when someone else does. Simply state that you find the
comment offensive.
Do not assume everyone is heterosexual. Likewise, do not assume you can tell if someone is gay or lesbian.
Use inclusive language. Use terms such as "significant other" or "partner." Instead of asking if someone is married or has a boyfriend or girlfriend, ask if they are in a relationship, leaving the gender ambiguous.
Treat the subject in a positive way. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual students frequently feel invisible or alone, and often leave Ferris because of this.
Respect the privacy of the individual. Do not assume someone is ready for you to know their gender orientation. If they do tell you, do not assume they want anyone else to know.
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SAFE Place This is a Safe Place, where all students can feel comfortable, whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or straight. Our purpose is to create an environment committed to diversity and mutual respect, where all students can feel SAFE in discussing issues that shape and individualize us, regardless of gender orientation, political perspective, or religious belief.
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