Gannon University’s DEI Office Introduces Safe Zone Training, Updated Resources

As Pride Month continues, members of Gannon’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee are thrilled to share an update on ongoing resources and training both available now and coming this fall.

Safe Zone Trainings are opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality, and examine prejudice, assumptions, and privilege following a curriculum utilized by over 25,000 educators in 100 countries.

Safe Zone Training is being piloted on campus this summer. While some members of our community have previously taken Safe Zone Training, the current offering is the most up-to-date curriculum with a new person-to-person delivery initiative. The training will be facilitated by Dr. Megan Woller, Director of Liberal Studies and Associate Professor of Fine Arts and Music; Tori Williams, Assistant Director of Campus Engagement and Activities; and Aly Eagle, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, Assistant Director of Employer Relations. Following this pilot program, the voluntary two-hour training sessions will be made available to all Gannon students, faculty and staff beginning Fall 2023, through Gannon University’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Following each training, participants will receive a take-home resource guide, certificate of completion and the updated Safe Zone training sticker, a representation of completing the training and communicating to others that they are open to talking about and being supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.