Allies program promotes safe, welcoming campus

Everyone deserves a safe place to learn.

That’s the idea behind UW Allies, a year-old effort designed to increase the visibility of support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Initiated jointly by the LGBT Campus Center and Dean of Students Office, the program is seeking students, faculty and staff of all sexual orientations and gender identities, says Sara Hinkel, LGBT issues coordinator.

“We’d like members of the campus community to come together to pledge their support for a safer and more respectful campus,” Hinkel says. “It takes just a few moments of time to help us take this significant step.”

UW Allies are asked to register by signing a statement of commitment, pledging to speak out against homophobia, promote the inclusion of LGBT voices in campus life and to continue learning about LGBT issues.

Participants will receive a sticker featuring the program’s rainbow logo to be placed in a prominent location. The logo is designed to raise the visibility of support for the LGBT community across campus.

In addition, the program will help to build a network of LGBT supporters and provide them with information about issues and events.

“UW-Madison has a strong LGBT community, ” Hinkel says. “But more needs to be done in the university community to assure LGBT students that they are safe and will always be treated with respect.”

UW Allies registration information is available from Hinkel, (608) 265-2480, shinkel@bascom.wisc.edu.