This page is designed to provide ways to support students in the GLBT community. It is important to remember that these tips also apply to any area of diversity.

Across Campus

Have an explicit non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation.

Value these students' perspectives and opinions in all areas of campus life.

Don't "tokenize" them.

Assure their safety.

Openly acknowledge their presence on campus and in society.

Attend their events once in a while. While there, listen respectfully, but challenge them as well.

Help non-GLBT people understand that GLBT people are a continuing presence on campus and in society and must be lived with peacefully, if not accepted fully.

Support GLBT students because they contribute, not because it is politically correct.

Take the time to examine and understand your own personal feelings about GLBT people.

In the Classroom

Include information about GLBT people who have made significant contributions in the past. When discussing current events, include GLBT issues.

Use examples of GLBT people in lectures and discussions, so they are not marginalized.

Be clear with your students that homophobic and heterosexist comments and actions are not acceptable.

In the Athletic Department

Ask the Director of Athletics to have a discussion with coaches about how heterosexism and homophobia affect athletes.

In Student Affairs

Include GLBT people in examples in classes, workshops, and presentations.

Ensure that publications are written in such a way that GLBT students will feel included in the audience.

When possible, include openly GLBT students as members of the student work force.

Periodically, have all student service departments participate in structured dialogues with GLBT students.

Make official statements condemning assault.

When GLBT students complain, take them seriously.

When they are victimized in any way - verbally assaulted, physically assaulted, or have possessions vandalized - make obvious, public statements condemning such actions. Encourage others to do the same. Punish the aggressors to the full extent possible.

Support GLBT faculty and staff, as well as students. Give equal benefits to their partners.

Ensure the safety of all GLBT people on campus.

Value the perspective and opinions of GLBT faculty and staff on your committees and staff.

In the Career Center

Display information about local career resources for GLBT students

Provide staff with training about the social and political impact of GLBT issues in the workplace.

Be open to discussing GLBT issues with students as these relate to career choice, resumes, interviews, determining the policies of a company, and coming out at work issues.

Maintain a list of people who can be used as resources for GLBT students.

Know which employers interviewing on your campus have non-discrimination and domestic partner policies for GLBT students and offer that information to students.

At the Financial Aid Office

Ensure that staff has training on how the impact of a student's "coming out" at home can affect parents' financial support.

Maintain a list of scholarships available for GLBT students.

In the Residence Halls

If their assigned roommates refuse to live with them, give the GLBT student the options and give them the freedom to choose.

Ensure that handbooks and contracts have a statement regarding non-discrimination relating to sexual orientation. Indicate where students should go if they feel harassed or discriminated against.

Orientation programs should address GLBT issues and make new students aware that GLBT students are a welcomed part of campus life.

At the Health Center

Make sure your health educators are comfortable with GLBT phrases and concepts (e.g., continual condom usage or anal intercourse).

Make sure your physicians understand that sexually active does not necessarily mean needs birth control.

At the Counseling Center

Include sexual orientation and coming out issues in the paperwork as options for discussion.

Include a variety of partner status options in the paperwork.

Don't automatically assume your clients are heterosexual.

Use inclusive language.

Identify a counselor who has some understanding of GLBT issues who can serve as a confidential referral to students.

At the Student Activities/Life Office

Make sure the GLBT student organization has an advisor.

Know the organization's name, acronym, or letter in the proper order.

Insist that the student government allot the GLBT student organization some reasonable funding.

Insist that Greek organizations have a discussion on how they would deal with one of their members "coming out."

Author Information: Found on Safe Zone for All at www.safezoneforall.com

Originally written by Troy Gilbert of Stanford University, then modified by Martha Ann Spruill (Jan 14, 2000), then modified again for the LHU community.