Quick Shot

LLE is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and culture. To support LLE’s realization of this commitment, employees have volunteered to certify in the University’s LGBTQ+ Safe Space Program. The University of Rochester Program initially started around 2011 with a group of dedicated facilitators offering an internal train-the-trainer effort expanding to include University faculty and staff. As defined by the University, the program “encourages all employees to become skilled at providing inclusive environments for all people regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. The University recognizes individuals, not departments, as Safe Space, for it is individuals who must use their voice and their actions to achieve welcoming environments.” To help identify certified participants and safe areas at LLE, labels on doors, such as one pictured, and letter-size certificates identifying certified individuals are used. Further identification on door labels is also shown when there are multiple users of an office. With University-trained staff and faculty, the Program is spearheaded by Scott Fearing of the University’s Office of Learning & Organization Development and consists of two instructor-led virtual courses which are accessible on the University website.