What is Safe Zone?

Safe Zone is a network of allies committed to providing a welcoming, supportive and safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, faculty and staff that aims to foster an affirmative climate of civility, safety, and support for all members of the campus community.  Its members serve as allies, educators, resources, and advocates.

What are the Safe Zone Values?

• Respect                                                                           
• Empower 
• Support 
• Promote acceptance
• Educate
• Celebrate
• To be an ally

How Does Safe Zone Work?
Safe Zone provides training to allies who will then provide visible support through the display of the SAFE Zone Logo.  These allies attend a comprehensive training, receive a manual and agree to be supportive of LGBT students and employees.

What is a Safe Zone Ally?
A Safe Zone ally is someone who can provide the following for the LGBT community:

• Chooses to support and advocate
• Is informed with accurate and current information
• Creates a safe and supportive environment
• Respects confidentiality concerning questions
• Is open about answering questions
• Knows about the services available
• Will continue to learn about issues
• Will challenge discrimination 

What are the Goals of Safe Zone?

1. Train individuals to become Safe Zone allies so they may serve as resources and support for the LGBT community.

2. Create safe spaces on campus within each department that are highly visible where support, acceptance and understanding are forefront.

3. Create a Safe Zone advisory committee that meets regularly, reviews training materials and plans events.

LGBT Research

• Nine out of ten students reported hearing at least one derogatory remark regarding their sexual orientation either frequently or often.
• 37.8% of students experienced physical harassment based on their sexual orientation.
• LGBT students were found to be five times more likely to skip school due to safety concerns.
• The average GPA for LGBT students who reported being physically harassed frequently was half a grade lower than LGBT students who experienced less harassment (a GPA of 2.6 compared to 3.1).
• A recent review of literature suggests that the rate of suicide among LGB youth is 20-40%higher than non-LGB youth.
• One study found that LGB youth ages 14-21 were significantly more likely to report depression and anxiety than their heterosexual peers.

What is Safe Zone at HCC?
HCC Safe Zone educates members of the college community about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues to create a network of allies and a community of full inclusion for all its citizens. HCC offers the following to the LGBT community:

Where Can I Find Safe Zone Allies on Campus?

Clark Library (CL)

Crocetta Argento
443-518-4485
cargento@howardcc.edu
International Education
CL113

Christele Cain
443-518-4148
cncain@howardcc.edu
International Education
CL113

Zack Kukulies
443-518-4246
zkukulies@howardcc.edu
Plant Operations
CL50

Tara Rupp
443-518-4640
trupp@howardcc.edu
Wellness Center
CL 178

Hickory Ridge Building (HR)

Andrew L. Brown
443-518-3309
abrown@howardcc.edu
Math
HR 344

Becca Swick
443-518-4108
rswick@howardcc.edu
Continuing Education
HR 100

Peter & Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center (HVPA)

Renee Barger
443-518 4089
rbarger@howardcc.edu
Arts & Humanities Dance
HVPA 210B

Valerie Lash
443-518-4959
vlash@howardcc.edu
Arts & Humanities
HVPA 200B

McCuan Hall (MH)

Aimee Gillette
443-518-3033
Agillette@howardcc.edu
Arts & Humanities
MH 013

Kimberly McNair
443-518-4454
kmcnair@howardcc.edu
Student Services Office
MH 258

Nursing Building (N)

David Jordan
443-518-3801
djordan@howardcc.edu
Human Resources
N100

Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall (RCF)

Jay Coughlin
443-518-4032
jcoughlin@howardcc.edu
Counseling and Career Services
RCF 335

Eileen Diggs
443-518-3044
ediggs@howardcc.edu
Counseling and Career Services
RCF 302

Kassy Hargadon-Zester
443-518-4428
kzester@howardcc.edu
Counseling and Career Services
RCF 331

Sheri Hawes
443-518-4679
shawes@howardcc.edu
Counseling and Career Services
RCF 309

Ann Kukulies
443-518-4009
akukulies@howardcc.edu
Counseling and Career Services
RCF 310

Kathy McSweeney
443-518-4606
kmcsweeney@howardcc.edu
Disability Support Services
RCF 3015

Elizabeth Moss
443-518-4837
emoss@howardcc.edu
Finance
RCF211B

Joy Stephens
443-518-4288
jstephens@howardcc.edu
Counseling and Career Services
RCF 336

Ronni Uhland
443-518-4656
ruhland@howardcc.edu
Disability Support Services
RCF 3013

Science & Technology Building (ST)

Kathy Lilly
443-518-3550
klilly@howardcc.edu
Science and Technology
ST 251

Student Activities (SA)

Llatetra Brown
443-518-4766
llatetrabrown@howardcc.edu
Student Life
SA 201

Tracie Ulmes
443-518-4024
tpalm@howardcc.edu
Student Life
SA 201A

For more information please visit The Wellness Center or Counseling and Career Service