Imagine witnessing a friend being assaulted, harassed, victimized or simply isolated because of his or her sexual orientation.
Lauren DiGiovine ’07 and her classmates remember a time when homophobic hate crimes a were common occurrence at Fairfield University.
Michael Barrett ’07 recalled his freshman year at Fairfield, when he was afraid to be himself despite support from family and friends.
“I was afraid. I never want another student to feel that way again,” he said.
Such discrimination led DiGiovine and Barrett, as well as Michelle Holmberg ’08, to establish The Collegiate Closet: A Policy Report, a student diversity grant project, last year under the supervision of communications professor David Gudelunas.
“As an alum, I can now say I went to a university that wants to pursue what’s right and important,” Barrett said in reaction to Fairfield’s acceptance of the Policy Report and recent implementation of a “safe space” program for GLBT (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transsexual) and questioning students.
“I am beyond happy to see the research conducted by students resulting in real policy work,” said Gudelunas.
“When we researched and wrote that report, we hoped it would be more than a study; we intended it to shape policy. It has, and that is great,” he said.
As a result of the group’s efforts and the increased number of GLBT and questioning students at Fairfield, the office of student diversity programs has recently announced the launching of the safe space program, which is a proposal within the Policy Report aimed at diminishing homophobia throughout the University community.
The proposed program is defined as a “constant location where GLBT students and allies may gather comfortably without fear of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity,” according to the Policy Report.
“The ‘safe space’ would be an intolerance-free zone where the response to any bigotry in language, behavior or action would be the ejection of the offending party or parties.”
The Collegiate Closet cites two specific past occasions when homophobia was apparent on campus, making it a “hostile environment for GLBT individuals.”
The first occurred in 1989 when two seniors began the first Gay-Lesbian-Straight Coalition. The members were met by protestors who called themselves “Students Together Against Gays” – STAGs – and chanted the hateful phrase, “Stags, not fags,” according to the Collegiate Closet. The protests went on to include arguments over University funding.
The second public incident occurred only three years ago, in April 2005, when the administration cancelled a forum on same-sex marriage, saying they cancelled the forum because they “learned invitations had been sent to state legislatures,” according to the Policy Report.
The Collegiate College project began immediately after this incident.
William Johnson, assistant dean of students and director of student diversity programs, recognizes the significance of the initiative.
“It is important that this program has a home and that GLBT issues are incorporated into the University’s diversity initiatives,” he said. “The office of student diversity programs is the logical place for its existence.”
According to a University press release, the “primary mission behind the safe space program is to further promote the Catholic Jesuit teachings of human rights and dignity for all people with a specific emphasis on GLBT individuals.”
This will be achieved, the press release said, by “providing support, resources, and programming for GLBT and questioning students, students who have close relationships to GLBT individuals, and the University community at large.”
“Speaking for the group that worked on the project, we’re thrilled to see the implementation of the program,” said Holmberg, who is a member of Alliance, a group for GLBT students and straight allies on campus.
A committee of representatives from counseling and psychological services, Residence Life, Campus Ministry, the office of student activities and facilities, the office of the dean of students, among other faculty and students, were involved in the development of the program.
Extensive research conducted by Barrett, DiGiovine, Holmberg and Gudelunas includes student and faculty questionnaires and interviews, as well as a look at the University’s history and a literature review.
Their research found that “the lack of an institutionalized support system was repeatedly cited by respondents as worsening the plight of GLBT students, making it difficult to come out and be out at Fairfield University,” according to the Policy Report.
“Several respondents specifically discussed the necessity of a safe space, drawing on examples from the University of Connecticut and the University of Rhode Island. Respondents maintained that a safe space or an intolerance-free zone allowed for a heightened sense of comfort, as well as increased faith in the desire and ability of the administration to protect GLBT students and faculty.”
Feedback from students has been very positive thus far, according to many who are involved.
“As a group, [members of Alliance] have tried to promote acceptance and foster a comfortable environment for everyone,” said Holmberg, “but we still acknowledge the need for a specific program and area on the campus in which to explore and discuss sexual preference.”
“Will Johnson and the rest of the administration have been completely devoted, and both the Collegiate Closet and Alliance couldn’t be more grateful,” she said.
“The safe space program is a great initiative for creating allies and making GLBT students feel more welcome here,” said Frank Fraioli ’08, president of Alliance and a member of the safe space committee.
The safe space is comprised of electronic and literary resources on GLBT topics, which will be located in the office of student diversity programs in the lower level of the Barone Campus Center, as well as campus-based awareness programs and an ally network that will provide support to students.
DiGiovine, who graduated last year, considers her involvement in the Policy Report “the most important thing I have ever done for the simple reason that I was able to aid in the facilitation of a positive change.”
“I sincerely hope that students struggling with their sexuality will find solace in the knowledge that the University supports them,” she added.
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