Diversity events all month long, Wear Purple October 20!
What can you do to support a safe, welcoming, supportive, diverse environment on campus? Start by joining us for a series of events to raise awareness and express solidarity:
- Weds., OCTOBER 13
SAFE Campaign: 3:30 p.m., 310B Student Center
Help create a campus community that is inclusive of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. This is a participatory training session, open to all faculty, staff and students, that covers terms, resources, myths, and our campus climate. - Tues., OCTOBER 19
Anti-Bullying and Harassment SPEAK OUT: 7 p.m., 300 Student Center
A vigil will follow the program. - Weds. OCTOBER 20
Forum on Civility and Respect
A community panel discussion of the expression of our values. Moderated by professor Ronald Woods. - Weds., OCTOBER 20
Spirit Day, all day
The Eastern Michigan community is joining other institutions around the country in memory of those bullied and harassed for their sexual orientation. Supporters are urged to wear purple.
A complete listing of events for the month of October is here.
Concerned about the effects of bullying and harassment?
We are now well into OUTober, a month led by the LGBTRC that featues events focusing on coming out, identity, expression and pride.
However, it is difficult to call for celebration in these times. In the past few weeks, we have learned of six LGBT-related suicides among young people:
- Justin Aaberg, age 15.
- Seth Walsh, age 13.
- Billy Lucas, age 15.
- Asher Brown, age 13.
- Tyler Clementi, age 18.
- Raymond Chase, age 19.
These are not just names, they were young boys and men whose lives were cut far too short, far too soon. It is time to take action against bullying and harassment.
Last week, Campus Pride released the "2010 State of Higher Education for LGBT People", the most comprehensive national LGBT higher education study of its kind. The recent suicides and incidents of harassment are not isolated events. Among the findings in the report:
- One quarter of LGBQ and Transgender staff, faculty, and students reported experiencing harassment.
- One-third of LGBQ and Transgender students, faculty, and staff have seriously considered leaving their institution due to the challenging climate.
- More than half of all faculty, students, & staff hide their sexual identity (43%) or gender identity (63%) to avoid intimidation.
EMU is considered to be one of the "Top 100 LGBT Friendly Schools" in the nation. We must continually educate our campus community about the resources and programs available.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 313 Snow Health Center 734-487-1118 www.emich.edu/caps/ CAPS offers free, confidential mental health counseling to registered EMU students. EMU staff and faculty may consult with CAPS staff about students they are concerned about or to receive referrals for mental health services in the community.
Coming Out/Being Out Support Group: Every Wednesday @ 5:00 in 347 Student Center This group welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people to come together and discuss issues regarding coming out, being out, sexuality, identity and other topics. This is a drop-in group - there is no need to call ahead. Co-Sponsored by: Counseling and Psychological Services and Your LGBT Resource Center
SAFE Campaign: Wednesday, October 13th @ 3:30PM in 310B Student Center and BY REQUEST Help create a campus community that is inclusive of ALL people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. This is a participatory training open to ALL faculty, staff and students that covers terms, resources, myths, and our campus climate.
Anti-Bullying and Harassment SPEAK OUT
Tuesday, Oct. 19th @ 7:00PM in 300 Student Center Vigil will follow directly after program.
Want to know more? Need help or support? Contact your EMU LGBTRC.
