COE Communicator | Page 16

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Inclusiveness Committee launches ‘fireside chats’ SafeZone Training also planned to increase awareness, knowledge and skills for LGBTQ community The college’s Inclusiveness Committee has begun a series of “fireside chats” open to students, staff and faculty. Dr. Kristen Mark and Dr. Fred Danner kicked off the program in February by leading a discussion on gender equity. It was followed in April by a discussion on Race and Racism in Higher Education, led by Dr. Cindy Jong and Dr. Ryan Crowley. Also in the works are SafeZone Training sessions for faculty and staff, offered by the UK Office of Institutional 16 Diversity. A small group will be trained this semester, with a larger session planned for the fall. A SafeZone is a space where all people feel safe, welcome and included. The training aims to increase awareness, knowledge and skills for individuals and address the challenges that exist when one wants to advocate for LGBTQ peers, students, family members, friends, coworkers and for themselves. COE COMMUNICATOR | APRIL 2016