Equity Case Studies Report - School of Social Work - University of ...

UBC school of social work equity and diversity strategic plan: A compilation of case studies 110
Appendix I
University of Manitoba, Identifying Allies: Safe Spaces Project
Goals:
The Ally project at the University of Manitoba hopes to create a campus climate that is more
welcoming and inclusive of all individuals. Through the use of Ally Workshops, people can
come onboard the project and represent themselves as allies of GLBTT individuals by displaying
an "Ally-Safe Person/Safe Space" card on their office door or desk. Individuals without
offices/set workspace or in offices with more than one employee/person can display their ally
status by the use of an Ally button. The displaying of an Ally card or button means that the
person has gone through training around the issues of homophobia, heterosexism, and how to be
supportive of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and two-spirited (GLBTT) people. Allies pledge
to work towards making the University of Manitoba campus a safer and more welcoming place
for GLBTT individuals by:
• Recognizing and challenging homophobia & heterosexism at the University of Manitoba
• Supporting the inclusiveness of GLBTT people on campus & in all aspects of campus life
• Being familiar with issues & resources that exist for GLBTT people on campus & off
• Respecting the confidentiality of people
(University of Manitoba, n.d.)
Why Is This Needed?
Although there have been some significant gains in attitudes & behaviours toward GLBTT
persons in recent years, much still needs to be done to foster a truly inclusive community. The
reality is that many GLBTT persons grow up in a climate of disapproval, fear or shame of their
sexual orientation. It is true that every place on campus should be GLBTT friendly and that the
University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment prohibits discrimination and harassment
on the grounds of sexual orientation (among other grounds). However, many students, staff and
faculty who either are GLBTT or who are perceived to be GLBTT face insults, assault, exclusion
and harassment at the University of Manitoba and within their wider communities. These
experiences, coupled with the relative invisibility of GLBTT positive places on campus and the
fear of retaliation, can result in few persons self-identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgendered and/or two-spirited on campus. The Identifying Allies project hopes to increase
the visibility of safe spaces on campus, create new ones and contribute to a more welcoming
campus environment. Through education, respectful inclusion, support and referrals, we hope in
time that all people can feel more comfortable and confident in being themselves, recognizing,
and working to end, all forms of homophobia & heterosexism and increasing their value of
diversity.
(University of Manitoba, n.d.)